'You've just signed your death warrant' - SDLP leader Colum Eastwood receives death threats after naming Soldier F in House of Commons

A Northern Ireland MP has said he has received death threats after he used parliamentary privilege to name a soldier charged with two counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder on Bloody Sunday in Londonderry January 30, 1972.
Andrew Quinn
By Andrew Quinn
Published 16th Jul 2021, 13:11 BST
Updated 16th Jul 2021, 16:00 BST
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The decision taken by SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood, to name the soldier was severely criticised by DUP MP for East Antrim, Sammy Wilson.

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"He has put the life of an elderly gentleman at risk in a selfish attempt to out green Sinn Fein.

SDLP leader and MP for Foyle, Colum Eastwood.SDLP leader and MP for Foyle, Colum Eastwood.
SDLP leader and MP for Foyle, Colum Eastwood.
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"A disgraceful stunt with potentially severe consequences," he added.

Mr. Eastwood has confirmed that since Thursday he has received a significant number of threatening messages.

Many of the messages sent to Mr. Eastwood are abusive but several individuals used both their own personal and anonymous accounts to threaten the Foyle MP's life.

One such threat read: "Congrats, you have just signed your death warrant."

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A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police received a complaint that threatening and offensive comments had been made online yesterday, Thursday 15 July.

"Police enquiries are ongoing into this matter."

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