Menu
19/06/2002
BBC programme sparks public inquiry calls
The SDLP's Alex Attwood has said there now needs to be a full international independent inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.
He was speaking after it was revealed that a BBC Panorama programme due to be screened on BBC1 tonight will show that elements within the RUC and British military intelligence collaborated with loyalist paramilitaries in the late 1980s over the murder of Catholics.
As the programme will show Ken Barrett, a loyalist paramilitary tells the BBC programme “Finucane would have been alive today if the peelers [police] hadn’t interfered.”
Mr Finucane was murdered 13 years ago when loyalist gunmen burst into his home and shot him dead in front of his wife and children.
Speaking in advance of the BBC programme Alex Attwood said: “The contents of this programme appear to be profoundly disturbing. The already compelling argument for an independent, judicial inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane has been strengthened. The international judge appointed to examine the case should quickly recommend such an inquiry. The particular allegation about a Special Branch officer advising that Pat Finucane should be murdered is grave and harrowing.”
He added: “The programme raises further questions about the conduct of elements of the British Army, in particular the Force Research Unit (FRU). The British Army must be proscribed from having any intelligence-gathering role in the north. No role whatsoever. This is the only proper response to very serious concerns.”
The Panorama special report will be shown in two parts, the first to be broadcast tonight and the second on Sunday June 23rd.
(AMcE)
He was speaking after it was revealed that a BBC Panorama programme due to be screened on BBC1 tonight will show that elements within the RUC and British military intelligence collaborated with loyalist paramilitaries in the late 1980s over the murder of Catholics.
As the programme will show Ken Barrett, a loyalist paramilitary tells the BBC programme “Finucane would have been alive today if the peelers [police] hadn’t interfered.”
Mr Finucane was murdered 13 years ago when loyalist gunmen burst into his home and shot him dead in front of his wife and children.
Speaking in advance of the BBC programme Alex Attwood said: “The contents of this programme appear to be profoundly disturbing. The already compelling argument for an independent, judicial inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane has been strengthened. The international judge appointed to examine the case should quickly recommend such an inquiry. The particular allegation about a Special Branch officer advising that Pat Finucane should be murdered is grave and harrowing.”
He added: “The programme raises further questions about the conduct of elements of the British Army, in particular the Force Research Unit (FRU). The British Army must be proscribed from having any intelligence-gathering role in the north. No role whatsoever. This is the only proper response to very serious concerns.”
The Panorama special report will be shown in two parts, the first to be broadcast tonight and the second on Sunday June 23rd.
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 June 2002
Blair pledges to look into collusion allegations
British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, says he is determined to get to the bottom of the allegations of collusion raised in last night's BBC Panorama programme. The programme claimed elements within the north's police force and military intelligence collaborated with loyalist paramilitaries in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.
Blair pledges to look into collusion allegations
British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, says he is determined to get to the bottom of the allegations of collusion raised in last night's BBC Panorama programme. The programme claimed elements within the north's police force and military intelligence collaborated with loyalist paramilitaries in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.
23 February 2004
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have met with Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens to discuss the progress of the investigation into his murder.
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have met with Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens to discuss the progress of the investigation into his murder.
18 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
06 December 2001
Adams calls on premiers to set up Finucane murder inquiry
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has again called on the British and Irish premiers to set up a judicial inquiry into the murder of Belfast Solicitor Pat Finucane.
Adams calls on premiers to set up Finucane murder inquiry
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has again called on the British and Irish premiers to set up a judicial inquiry into the murder of Belfast Solicitor Pat Finucane.
26 June 2015
Decision To Refuse Finucane Inquiry Upheld
The High Court in Belfast has upheld the Prime Minister's decision not to hold an independent inquiry into the death of Pat Finucane. Mr Finucane was shot dead by loyalists at his home in north Belfast in 1989.
Decision To Refuse Finucane Inquiry Upheld
The High Court in Belfast has upheld the Prime Minister's decision not to hold an independent inquiry into the death of Pat Finucane. Mr Finucane was shot dead by loyalists at his home in north Belfast in 1989.
-
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.
