Menu
09/04/2002
Real IRA "pose no threat" to Bloody Sunday police witnesses
The dissident republican paramilitary group the Real IRA has released a statement claiming the organisation poses no threat to any British army or police witnesses giving evidence to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry.
In the statement, the Real IRA goes on to say that it believes suggestions by security force witnesses who are to give evidence, that they are under threat from republicans, is a smokescreen aimed at hiding the truth.
The inquiry, sitting in the Guildhall in Londonderry, is investigating the events of 30 January 1972 when British soldiers shot dead 13 civilians during a civil rights march in the city. A 14th person died later.
Serving and former police officers have secured the right, through the courts, to give their evidence from behind screens at the Guildhall, because of fears they could be targeted by republicans if identified. Soldiers who were on duty in Derry on Bloody Sunday have also won the right to give their evidence in London.
However, in the statement released on Tuesday April 9, the Real IRA said they had “no intention of interfering in any way with any witness to the Saville Inquiry”.
“This includes soldiers and police witnesses”, the statement added.
The Real IRA also said it hoped its statement would stop what they described as “British government attempts to use non-existent threats to stop the truth emerging about what happened on Bloody Sunday”.
The families of those killed have welcomed the statement and said there could no longer be an argument for security force witnesses to give evidence screened from the public, although they added that they suspected that the statement had come too late to change plans for the soldiers to give their evidence in London
(AMcE)
In the statement, the Real IRA goes on to say that it believes suggestions by security force witnesses who are to give evidence, that they are under threat from republicans, is a smokescreen aimed at hiding the truth.
The inquiry, sitting in the Guildhall in Londonderry, is investigating the events of 30 January 1972 when British soldiers shot dead 13 civilians during a civil rights march in the city. A 14th person died later.
Serving and former police officers have secured the right, through the courts, to give their evidence from behind screens at the Guildhall, because of fears they could be targeted by republicans if identified. Soldiers who were on duty in Derry on Bloody Sunday have also won the right to give their evidence in London.
However, in the statement released on Tuesday April 9, the Real IRA said they had “no intention of interfering in any way with any witness to the Saville Inquiry”.
“This includes soldiers and police witnesses”, the statement added.
The Real IRA also said it hoped its statement would stop what they described as “British government attempts to use non-existent threats to stop the truth emerging about what happened on Bloody Sunday”.
The families of those killed have welcomed the statement and said there could no longer be an argument for security force witnesses to give evidence screened from the public, although they added that they suspected that the statement had come too late to change plans for the soldiers to give their evidence in London
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 November 2014
QUB, UU To Accept 1,100 Fewer Students
Next September Queen's and Ulster University will together accept up to 1,100 fewer students as a result of education cuts announced by the Executive. The news comes in a joint statement released by Professor Richard Barnett, Vice Chancellor, Ulster University and Professor Patrick Johnston, Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University Belfast.
QUB, UU To Accept 1,100 Fewer Students
Next September Queen's and Ulster University will together accept up to 1,100 fewer students as a result of education cuts announced by the Executive. The news comes in a joint statement released by Professor Richard Barnett, Vice Chancellor, Ulster University and Professor Patrick Johnston, Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University Belfast.
06 May 2003
Empey challenges DUP to publish alternative proposals
Former Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey has challenged the DUP to publish their detailed proposals for ‘A Fair Deal’. In a statement, the UUP councillor said that now the Joint Declaration had been published - and with an IRA statement imminent - the time was right to see what alternatives the DUP could offer.
Empey challenges DUP to publish alternative proposals
Former Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey has challenged the DUP to publish their detailed proposals for ‘A Fair Deal’. In a statement, the UUP councillor said that now the Joint Declaration had been published - and with an IRA statement imminent - the time was right to see what alternatives the DUP could offer.
02 December 2003
Minister welcomes initiative to combat witness intimidation
Criminal Justice Minister, John Spellar has welcomed the introduction of special measures to help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses involved in the criminal justice system.
Minister welcomes initiative to combat witness intimidation
Criminal Justice Minister, John Spellar has welcomed the introduction of special measures to help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses involved in the criminal justice system.
24 January 2014
Warning To Pregnant Women During Lambing
The Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture have released a warning along with the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland that pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing may risk their own health, and that of their unborn child.
Warning To Pregnant Women During Lambing
The Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture have released a warning along with the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland that pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing may risk their own health, and that of their unborn child.
13 February 2007
Armagh watchtower to be dismantled
The last remaining British Army watchtower is due to be dismantled today in County Armagh. The armoured sangar post in Crossmaglen is being removed later today as part of the government's normalisation process sparked by the IRA's decision to end its armed campaign in 2005.
Armagh watchtower to be dismantled
The last remaining British Army watchtower is due to be dismantled today in County Armagh. The armoured sangar post in Crossmaglen is being removed later today as part of the government's normalisation process sparked by the IRA's decision to end its armed campaign in 2005.
-
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.
