UK sanctions Northern Ireland man under domestic counter-terrorism laws

3/12/2024 20:10

        Britain used counter-terrorism laws to freeze the assets of a man from Northern Ireland, citing his suspected involvement with "terrorist activity" associated with the New Irish Republican Army, a statement on Tuesday said.
        
        The government said it had "reasonable cause" to suspect that the individual, Brian Sheridan, who was born in Armagh, was involved in terrorist activity by facilitating terrorism and associating with members of the New IRA, as well as making funds available for the organisation.
        
        The New IRA is one of a small number of active militant groups opposed to Northern Ireland's 1998 peace deal. It has been behind some of the sporadic attacks that have continued, including the murder of journalist Lyra McKee in 2019.
        
        "This action is the first use of the Treasury-led domestic counter terrorism financial sanctions regime targeting Northern Ireland related terrorism," Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq said.
        
        Under the sanctions it would be an offence for any person or entity to maintain a direct or indirect financial relationship with Sheridan, the finance ministry said.