13/05/2005
McCartney family threatened by ‘criminal elements’
The family of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney have blamed republicans for threatening to burn them out of their homes and businesses.
The family were warned of threats by “criminal elements” by the PSNI shortly after returning home to Northern Ireland from Strasbourg, where they had been lobbying MEP’s to help fund a civil case against those they believe to have been behind Mr McCartney’s murder.
Catherine McCartney, one of Robert's sisters, said the family believed the threats had come from within the republican movement.
“For the past three months, we have been asking the republican movement to stop protecting the criminals who murdered Robert that night," she said.
"And now today after our campaign, we get a threat saying our houses are going to be burned down.
"I'm not frightened for myself personally but I have four children here from 13-years-old down, so I have to take it seriously for them."
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams immediately condemned “unequivocally and without qualification or reservation” any threats made against the McCartney family.
The West Belfast MP said: “I am confident that there are no threats to this family from republicans.
“The recent election results were a clear endorsement of Sinn Féin’s stand in support of the family and we remain totally behind their objective of having the men responsible for the murder of Robert McCartney brought to court and held to account for their actions.”
The 33-year-old father-of-two died after he was stabbed following a row in a Belfast bar.
The IRA has been blamed for the murder as well as interfering with evidence and witnesses by the McCartney family.
(MB)
The family were warned of threats by “criminal elements” by the PSNI shortly after returning home to Northern Ireland from Strasbourg, where they had been lobbying MEP’s to help fund a civil case against those they believe to have been behind Mr McCartney’s murder.
Catherine McCartney, one of Robert's sisters, said the family believed the threats had come from within the republican movement.
“For the past three months, we have been asking the republican movement to stop protecting the criminals who murdered Robert that night," she said.
"And now today after our campaign, we get a threat saying our houses are going to be burned down.
"I'm not frightened for myself personally but I have four children here from 13-years-old down, so I have to take it seriously for them."
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams immediately condemned “unequivocally and without qualification or reservation” any threats made against the McCartney family.
The West Belfast MP said: “I am confident that there are no threats to this family from republicans.
“The recent election results were a clear endorsement of Sinn Féin’s stand in support of the family and we remain totally behind their objective of having the men responsible for the murder of Robert McCartney brought to court and held to account for their actions.”
The 33-year-old father-of-two died after he was stabbed following a row in a Belfast bar.
The IRA has been blamed for the murder as well as interfering with evidence and witnesses by the McCartney family.
(MB)
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McCartney sister threatened in Short Strand
A sister of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney has claimed she was threatened at her home in the Short Strand area of the city. Paula McCartney said a woman told her she would be put out of the area and also that her family had to stop handing out leaflets about a vigil in Robert’s memory when they were confronted by about a dozen people.
McCartney sister threatened in Short Strand
A sister of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney has claimed she was threatened at her home in the Short Strand area of the city. Paula McCartney said a woman told her she would be put out of the area and also that her family had to stop handing out leaflets about a vigil in Robert’s memory when they were confronted by about a dozen people.
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McCartney vigil passes off peacefully
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McCartney vigil passes off peacefully
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06 April 2005
EU President ‘impressed’ with McCartney family
The President of the European Parliament has praised the family of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney saying he was “deeply impressed” with the bravery shown in their fight for justice.
EU President ‘impressed’ with McCartney family
The President of the European Parliament has praised the family of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney saying he was “deeply impressed” with the bravery shown in their fight for justice.
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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.