Call for loyalist websites clampdown

BBC News Online, Thursday 29 March 2001, 17:25 GMT 18:25 UK

The government must clamp down on loyalist websites containing death threats against individuals and towns, a Northern Ireland Assembly member has said.

John Dallat said Home Secretary Jack Straw should take similar taskforce action against the loyalist websites as that being directed at internet chatrooms used by paedophiles.

The Social Democratic and Labour Party member for East Londonderry said: These loyalist websites constitute a threat to democracy.

They are targeting towns and individuals, inviting people to join them as well as carrying out fundraising activities.

It is imperative that they are stopped immediately.

‘Sinister’

Mr Dallat added: The taskforce established yesterday by British Home Secretary Jack Straw will focus on tackling Internet chatrooms used by paedophiles and will review existing legislation.

The Home Secretary made it very clear that what is illegal off-line is also illegal on-line.

I am calling for similar action to be taken now in relation to tackling loyalist paramilitaries who are using the web in this sinister fashion.