Martin O’Hagan 1950-2001

MARTIN O'Hagan was murdered on the evening of Friday 28 September 2001 in front of his wife, on the way home from the pub to his home in Lurgan.

The Sunday World journalist was Secretary of Belfast and District branch and had attended a branch meeting earlier that day. Martin was the first journalist to be killed in Northern Ireland as a result of his reporting, which focused on the criminal activities of terrorist organisations.

The NUJ has campaigned solidly since for a proper investigation into the murder. The Sunday World has named those it believes to be responsible. There are widespread allegations that some were informers engaged by one or other part of the British security establishment. The Guardian reported this week that Sunday World journalists have received 50 death threats in recent years.

Several arrests were made during a re-investigation in 2008. One person is currently facing charges but cannot be named for legal reasons.

The NUJ is marking the anniversary with a conference in Belfast on 30 September: "NUJ Journalist Safety Conference - the Northern Ireland Experience".