Sir, - The issue of paramilitary beatings and intimidation attacks in civil society in North Ireland is an important one, and I am encouraged to see the increasing press coverage of this topic, including the attention given to it in your paper. But as a native of Northern Ireland, who belongs to a community where such attacks are a reality, I was distressed and disappointed to see the terminology used to describe them in your poll.
The term "punishment beatings" is of course used within the nationalist community, but is not accurate. The word "punishment" implies that a crime has been committed, and tacitly assumes not only that the victim somehow invited the attack, but that those attacking have the authority to judge, and that retribution has a component of justice. The word "beating" fails to reflect the severity of the physical, mental and social consequences of these assaults. Please, consider whether the perpetuation of these misconceptions has any place in a paper of the quality of The Irish Times.
We see youngsters attacked with bats, power drills, and boots; families forced out of their homes; whole communities intimidated. These acts can never have any legitimate moral basis. Let's be clear: these assaults are human rights abuses. Only when we begin to name them as such can we start to assume our responsibilities to end them. Yours, etc., Dr Sinead Jones,
Rue Sala, Lyons, France.