Propaganda is spread denying the ability of the police and the courts to provide justice. The recent upsurge in these so-called punishment attacks since the suspension of the Good Friday Agreement institutions shows that they are largely political in nature, rather than a response to social problems. The paramilitary godfathers can turn them on and off at their convenience. There is a deafening silence from David Ervine and Gerry Adams, and their colleagues, over these activities of Loyalist and Republican paramilitaries. No leadership, nor confidence, but plenty of rhetoric.
Paramilitary organisations act as judge, jury and executioner.
Their victims have no opportunity to counter accusations made against them. There is no process of appeal - no checks and balances to prevent false conviction. Often people are singled out for crossing the local godfathers. These practices show no respect for the due process of law or international human rights norms. They mark a major departure from universal standards of human rights and justice, and equal protection under the law.