FRIENDS OF murder Belfast journalist Lyra McKee have defaced the Saoradh headquarters in Derry.
The group placed red handprints all over the walls outside of the office as part of a protect at the murder of the young journalist.
Ms McKee was shot dead while reporting on riots in the Fanad Drive region of Creggan in Derry last Thursday, April 18th.
The New IRA has taken responsibility for the murder, issuing an apology to the 29-year-old’s friends and family.
The gunman was apparently aiming at police during the disturbances when he accidentally hit the young writer.
On Monday April 2nd, several close friends of Ms McKee walked to Junior McDaid House in Derry, to protest at her death.
Emotions running high in Derry as friends of #LyraMcKee protest with red paint at HQ of Saoradh, linked with New IRA pic.twitter.com/jaZuKzGnQk
— Stephen Murphy (@SMurphyTV) April 22, 2019
Using a pot of red paint, the group placed handprints on the side of the office walls.
Several members of the republican group Saoradh were present during the peaceful protest along with PSNI officers who took the names of those involved.
Sinead Quinn, who was among those to protest Ms McKee’s death, told the Press Association:"We have used red paint because they have blood on their hands for what has happened.
"They have encouraged it, they have moulded these young people into what they are and they are standing behind them handing them guns.
They murdered our friend and they need to take responsibility, says Sinead Quinn, friend of #LyraMcKee pic.twitter.com/RbW3s6RP2W
— Stephen Murphy (@SMurphyTV) April 22, 2019
"They need to take responsibility today for what has happened.
"They have shirked it so far by saying it was an accidental shooting. You don't shoot accidentally."
"When you put a gun into someone's hand and they shoot it, that's murder,” she added.
NB Strong language: “Nobody wants youse”, protestors say Saoradh represent nobody here in Derry pic.twitter.com/vUhKBiL6a8
— Stephen Murphy (@SMurphyTV) April 22, 2019
"Lyra deserves more and I am so glad there are so many people here today to see and watch these men looking at us.
"They are not a representation of republican people in this town.
"Those people don't represent (republicanism). Nobody can advocate shooting into a crowd of people and shooting a 29-year-old woman dead.
“Lyra McKee’s name will never be forgotten in this town” pic.twitter.com/bJVGBpBBmI
— Stephen Murphy (@SMurphyTV) April 22, 2019
"People have been afraid to stand up to people like this, we are not afraid."
The PSNI are continuing to investigate the incident.
