Menu
07/09/2012
Police Attempts On Boston College Tapes Are Halted
A High Court judge has temporarily stopped police from taking possession of interviews with Old Bailey bomber Dolours Price.
Mr Justice Treacy restrained the PSNI from receiving tape recordings carried out with Ms Price for a history project at Boston College in the US.
The order will remain in place until a legal challenge by one of the researchers, Anthony McIntyre, in Belfast next Wednesday.
PSNI attempts to seize the recorded testimony have been backed by the family of Jean McConville, a widow with 10 children and one of the IRA's most famous victims.
McConville's daughter, Helen McKendry, believes the tapes contain information about the decision by the IRA leadership in Belfast to order McConville's murder and secret burial.
However journalists and academics are arguing that if Boston College surrenders the tapes from Dolours Price it will destroy any chance of an honest, historical inquiry into the Troubles as well as putting their lives at risk.
Like every other participant in the project, which included both former IRA and loyalist paramilitaries, Price agreed to give the interview on the condition that her account would remain confidential until after her death.
But the judge said today that interviewees "must have known, or should have known" that the researchers could not give reliable assurances of confidentiality.
In July, a US appeal court ruled that the Boston College interviews should be handed over to the PSNI.
Although a further bid to challenge that decision in the Supreme Court is planned, that was described today as "a long shot".
(H/NE)
Mr Justice Treacy restrained the PSNI from receiving tape recordings carried out with Ms Price for a history project at Boston College in the US.
The order will remain in place until a legal challenge by one of the researchers, Anthony McIntyre, in Belfast next Wednesday.
PSNI attempts to seize the recorded testimony have been backed by the family of Jean McConville, a widow with 10 children and one of the IRA's most famous victims.
McConville's daughter, Helen McKendry, believes the tapes contain information about the decision by the IRA leadership in Belfast to order McConville's murder and secret burial.
However journalists and academics are arguing that if Boston College surrenders the tapes from Dolours Price it will destroy any chance of an honest, historical inquiry into the Troubles as well as putting their lives at risk.
Like every other participant in the project, which included both former IRA and loyalist paramilitaries, Price agreed to give the interview on the condition that her account would remain confidential until after her death.
But the judge said today that interviewees "must have known, or should have known" that the researchers could not give reliable assurances of confidentiality.
In July, a US appeal court ruled that the Boston College interviews should be handed over to the PSNI.
Although a further bid to challenge that decision in the Supreme Court is planned, that was described today as "a long shot".
(H/NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
PSNI Highlights Impact Of Serious Collisions On Victims And Officers
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is using Road Safety Week 2024 to highlight the devastating impact of serious road collisions on victims, their families, first responders, and investigating officers.
PSNI Highlights Impact Of Serious Collisions On Victims And Officers
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is using Road Safety Week 2024 to highlight the devastating impact of serious road collisions on victims, their families, first responders, and investigating officers.
14 September 2012
Price 'Does Not Mention Jean McConville' In Boston College Tapes
Dolours Price does not mention 'disappeared' mother-of-ten Jean McConville in the tapes of a Boston College interview wanted by the PSNI, one of the journalists behind the project has claimed. Ed Moloney released a statement today disassociating his and fellow researcher Anthony McIntyre's tapes from the murder victim.
Price 'Does Not Mention Jean McConville' In Boston College Tapes
Dolours Price does not mention 'disappeared' mother-of-ten Jean McConville in the tapes of a Boston College interview wanted by the PSNI, one of the journalists behind the project has claimed. Ed Moloney released a statement today disassociating his and fellow researcher Anthony McIntyre's tapes from the murder victim.
09 July 2012
Boston College Tapes 'Could Be Handed To Police'
Material from the Boston College tapes could be handed over to the PSNI next month. The tapes, which include audio recordings of IRA members, were taken as a history project on the strict understanding that their contents would not be made public until the speaker died.
Boston College Tapes 'Could Be Handed To Police'
Material from the Boston College tapes could be handed over to the PSNI next month. The tapes, which include audio recordings of IRA members, were taken as a history project on the strict understanding that their contents would not be made public until the speaker died.
02 October 2012
IRA Tapes Handed To PSNI
A former IRA man will be unable to prevent police taking possession of taped interviews he carried out with a convicted bomber. Anthony McIntyre had attempted to prevent police access to his confidential material, which was created for a history project at Boston College.
IRA Tapes Handed To PSNI
A former IRA man will be unable to prevent police taking possession of taped interviews he carried out with a convicted bomber. Anthony McIntyre had attempted to prevent police access to his confidential material, which was created for a history project at Boston College.
08 July 2013
Dolores Price Boston Tapes Handed Over
Tapes containing Boston College interviews with convicted IRA bomber Dolores Price have been handed over to the PSNI. The interviews have been requested by PSNI detectives as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Jean McConville in 1972.
Dolores Price Boston Tapes Handed Over
Tapes containing Boston College interviews with convicted IRA bomber Dolores Price have been handed over to the PSNI. The interviews have been requested by PSNI detectives as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Jean McConville in 1972.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
