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Friday, February 14, 2003 ( 8:46 AM ) Wild-Irish Adams denies involvement in 1978 bombing Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has denied claims by a DUP MP that he was involved in the IRA bombing of a hotel near Belfast 25 years ago which claimed the lives of 12 people. Iris Robinson, the DUP MP for Strangford, made the allegation in the British House of Commons and cannot be sued for slander due to parliamentary privilege. She said police had told her they were certain that Mr Adams sanctioned and approved the attack on La Mon House Hotel in February 1978 and called for a full public inquiry into the bombing. Mr Adams, however, has insisted that there was no truth in Ms Robinson's claims and he described them as "theatrics". Des Browne, one of the British ministers overseeing the North's affairs while the Assembly and Executive are suspended, said his government had no plans to establish an inquiry as the police had done everything they could at the time to find those responsible. # ( 8:41 AM ) Wild-Irish Finucane: The truth at last? Stevens says he now knows 'the full depth of collusion' SIR John Stevens said today he knows the depth of security force collusion with loyalists in and around the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane. He also revealed that prosecution papers are being prepared against a senior military officer as a result of his wider probe into security force operations involving loyalists. But the Metropolitan Police Commissioner said his final report on the case has been delayed indefinitely by a large amount of new evidence - including documents that appear to have been withheld. Sir John confirmed that large files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions, and indicated that he expects to make further arrests. Those papers include files on Brigadier Gordon Kerr, the former head of a secret Army intelligence unit that ran double agent Brian Nelson, and other former and serving members of the police and Army. "I have got to the bottom of it," he said in Belfast as he gave an update on the day after the 14th anniversary of Mr Finucane's murder. "My inquiry team has a very clear picture of the events leading up to his murder, how it was carried out and by whom. "It's now a question of turning intelligence into evidence. And that's what we're doing." He said the fire at his inquiry team's Carrickfergus office in 1990 was started by a "firebomb". "We were firebombed. That was done to impede the inquiry. I don't intend to say who I hold responsible for that. That is all part and parcel of what we're doing in this inquiry." Sir John also took the opportunity to "completely rebut" the suggestion that Mr Finucane, gunned down by the UDA in front of his family, was involved with the IRA. He says the allegations were "made by the people behind his murder". "He was nothing other than a hard working solicitor," he said. Sir John confirmed his inquiry is now touching on every aspect of state intelligence in Northern Ireland, putting MI5 operations into the frame alongside the work of Special Branch and Army intelligence. He said the aspects of MI5 work being investigated touch on the entire range of collusion investigations he has undertaken in Northern Ireland since 1989. He said he is receiving "total co-operation" from MI5 director Eliza Manningham-Buller. Sir John will produce an interim report to Chief Constable Hugh Orde, who used to work on the inquiry, in April. Sir John intends to produce a full report to the Policing Board and Mr Orde at a later date. Sir John reopened the investigation into Mr Finucane's murder four years ago, after new information was presented to the Government. He said that he believes he will catch the killers even at this late stage. Yesterday Mr Finucane's family met Peter Cory, the Canadian judge who is assessing the need for a public inquiry. They have refused to co-operate with the Stevens investigation, arguing the criminal investigation is delaying the public inquiry. Stevens' detectives are currently hoping that the loyalist feud will shake out even more witnesses. Sir John said: "I want to appeal specifically to those persons involved in the UDA-UFF in 1988/89 and who have knowledge of those responsible for plannning and committing the murder of Pat Finucane." He announced a phone number - 028 9025 9524 - for any loyalists wishing to "come forward and talk to us in confidence". # ( 8:37 AM ) Wild-Irish Meehan warned of UDA targeting North Belfast News 14th February 2003 Ardoyne Republican Martin Meehan has been warned three times in the past week that the Red Hand Defenders, a cover-name for the UDA, are trying to kill him. The South Antrim Sinn Féin councillor was warned by the PSNI last Thursday at Newtownabbey council that the group intended to kill him. And on Saturday the PSNI called to his house to tell him that an attack was imminent. Martin Meehan says the warnings show the UDA is still targeting nationalists in North Belfast and warned others to remain vigilant. “These threats were serious, the UDA is determined to try and assassinate me. “The PSNI offered me an escort out of Antrim Council, which I refused. “I told them I had been escorting myself for the past 30 years. “This is the latest in a long line of attempts against my life. “I won’t be put off doing my work as Sinn Féin representative however.” In the past loyalists have left booby-trap bombs under the Sinn Féin man’s car. Martin Meehan and his family have been the focus of a number of loyalist death threats. In one ten-day period at the beginning of 2001, the Meehan family was targeted by loyalists seven times. On January 23 2001, Martin Meehan’s son, Martin Óg, was warned by the RUC of an imminent loyalist attack. Eight hours later two bullets were fired into his home, one hitting the chimney breast and the other the front door. A few days later another son was told by the RUC that his life was under serious threat. Four hours later there was a loyalist gun attack on his home. Four days later, the RUC arrived at Martin Meehan's home to warn that loyalists had threatened to assassinate him within 24 hours. Martin Meehan warned nationalists that loyalism has a history of resolving internal feuds by murdering Catholics. “That is the way those groups operate. “After they have finished murdering each other they go out to get a Catholic as a peace offering to one another. “I would strongly urge all nationalists to remain vigilant in the coming days and weeks.” # ( 8:30 AM ) Wild-Irish Loyalists threaten postal workers Royal Mail say they are taking the threats seriously Trade unionists have condemned loyalist death threats to three postal workers in Belfast. Royal Mail said they were taking the threats very seriously, and were working with the police to heighten security for their employees. This society needs everyone to pull away from violence and to try to build the peace that everyone is crying out for Pat Convery SDLP councillor It is understood two of the people threatened are managers. Meanwhile, a Lisburn councillor has received a live round of ammunition in the post. Sinn Fein's Paul Butler received a Valentine's card containing the ammunition on Friday as police confirmed they have advised a number of people in the greater Belfast area that they should step up their personal security. The warning follows the seizure of what is believed to be a UDA compiled list of names and addresses. They were found on a computer disk discovered by detectives investigating the activities of loyalist paramilitaries. Belfast newspaper the Irish News, said it received a threat from the Red Hand Defenders - a cover name used by the Ulster Freedom Fighters and the Ulster Defence Association - against a named Catholic postman. 'Disgusting' threats The warning was telephoned to the paper's offices on Thursday. Peter Bunting of the Irish Congress of Trades Unions, said he found the threats disgusting. "Postal workers are vulnerable," he said. "They out there on their own doing a job in very dark hours of early mornings and they are the easiest targets walking around the streets of Northern Ireland. "Workers have the right to go about their work without fear from anyone or threat from anyone and I think this is a deplorable week in Northern Ireland for workers." The postal workers who have already been told the threat is not serious and it comes from an organisation which is dormant and no longer exists Billy Hutchinson PUP assembly member However, Progressive Unionist Party assembly member Billy Hutchinson, has questioned the authenticity of the threats. The North Belfast member said he believed the threats were founded on hearsay among the workers rather than police intelligence. "What we need to be doing is making sure that these threats are real," he said. "I am questioning why this week, whenever loyalism is trying to turn itself around that we end up with three postal workers who have already been told the threat is not serious, and it comes from an organisation which is dormant and no longer exists." North Belfast SDLP councillor Pat Convery said those responsible must examine their consciences. "I would like to appeal to them to withdraw these threats immediately," he said. "Let these men and women get back to their work. "This society needs everyone to pull away from violence and to try to build the peace that everyone is crying out for." Meanwhile, north Belfast assembly member Alban Maginness has indicated the Communications Workers' Union is considering strike action in the wake of the threats. The threat is the latest in a series against postal workers throughout the province, following the murder of Danny McColgan last year. The Ulster Defence Association murdered the Catholic father of one as he arrived for work in Newtownabbey on 12 January last year. Postal deliveries were suspended for two days following Mr McColgan's murder and rallies were held across the province in protest at the threats. # Tuesday, February 11, 2003 ( 11:03 AM ) Wild-Irish Pat Finucane Anniversary February 12 is the anniversary of the 1989 murder of solicitor Pat Finucane by UDA gunmen acting under the direction of the British Army Force Research Unit and the RUC Special Branch. At 10am the family will meet Canadian judge Peter Cory in Belfast. The submission below will be delivered at the meeting. Then at 19.30 a memorial mass will be held at the Clonard Monastery, W Belfast. (The annexed documents referred to in the submission have not been included) SUBMISSION TO JUDGE CORY PATRICK FINUCANE DECEASED INTRODUCTION The circumstances surrounding the murder of Pat Finucane require no elaboration in this submission in light of the already voluminous material submitted by others. In summary the position is as follows: Patrick Finucane was murdered in circumstances which raise the most serious allegations of direct security force collusion with his killers at all stages of the murder. The actions of state agents and the state itself in relation to the murder of Patrick Finucane and its subsequent investigation "cry out for an explanation". Such an explanation has not yet been forthcoming. For more than thirteen years the state has failed to act to bring to an end the clear and obvious breaches of the applicant’s rights under Article 2 of the Convention. This is despite the unprecedented number of calls for an Article 2 compliant investigation from numerous respected organisations and individuals, both at domestic and international level. (ii) The various investigative measures taken in relation to the murder have not, by any standards, been sufficient to satisfy the requirements of Article 2. In particular The RUC investigation was not sufficiently independent given the hierarchical connection between those investigating the murder and those against whom allegations of collusion are made; It did not provide for public scrutiny of the circumstances of the murder, and in particular the allegations of collusion arising therefrom; It did not ensure the requisite protection of the family’s rights as a result of the lack of accessibility of the investigation to them; The RUC failed to inform the DPP that Ken Barrett had admitted to Patrick Finucane’s murder; The inquest did not provide a thorough investigation into his murder, given its restricted remit and the fact that allegations of collusion could not be and were not examined at the hearing; The inquest was not a procedure that could form an effective part of the process of identification and prosecution of a perpetrator of an unlawful act; The first and second Stevens investigations did not investigate the murder of Patrick Finucane; In any event, none of the Stevens investigations were commenced promptly; None provided for public scrutiny of the circumstances of the murder, and in particular the allegations of collusion arising therefrom; The failure to allow the family and its legal representatives access to the investigations did not ensure the requisite protection of their rights; As investigations established by the Chief Constable of the RUC and reporting to him the Stevens investigations do not satisfy the independence requirement of Article 2; The actions of the DPP in failing to prosecute William Stobie in connection with the murder of Patrick Finucane in 1990 were contrary to Article 2 or alternatively raise concerns about the independence of the DPP; The halting of the trial of William Stobie on arms charges in circumstances where it is suspected that he had threatened to expose the police’s prior knowledge of the plan to murder Patrick Finucane raises credible concerns about the independence of the DPP; The failure to give any or adequate explanations for these actions when requested to do so; The failure to prosecute Brian Nelson in connection with the murder of Patrick Finucane and associated offences in circumstances where a self-incriminating statement exists was contrary to Article 2 or alternatively raises concerns about the independence of the DPP; The failure to give any or adequate reasons for this action when requested to do so; and The decision to discontinue charges against Jim Spence was contrary to Article 2 or alternatively raises concerns about the independence of the DPP. On 2 July 2002 the European Court of Human Rights (Fourth Section) declared Mrs Finucane’s application admissible. A copy of the Admissibility Decision is attached as Annex 1. It is to be observed that by letter dated 20 November 2002 the UK Government accepted that the first and second Stevens Inquiries did not satisfy the procedural obligations in Article 2. Furthermore, it was also accepted that the third Stevens Inquiry did not satisfy the Article 2 requirement of prompt and reasonable expedition. These concessions were late and limited and prompted our response dated 6 January 2003 a copy of which is attached as Annex 2. POSITION OF UK GOVERNMENT The UK Government has indicated that, in the event that a public inquiry is recommended, it will implement that recommendation. SUBMISSION It is submitted that it has already been established that there is an overwhelming case for a full, public, independent judicial inquiry. Such an inquiry, in order to inspire the necessary confidence in its deliberations and to demonstrate its complete independence will require to be international in character. It must also comply with relevant international law and practice. This includes the UN Principles on Extra-Legal Executions and in particular the requirement that the family and their legal representatives shall have access to "all information relevant to the investigation".(1) A copy of these Principles is attached as Annex 3. In view of the involvement of, inter alia, the Force Research Unit and Special Branch and possibly other intelligence agencies, and recent experience in the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, it is vital that your report should recommend strict adherence to the UN Principles identified above. There is a substantial risk that unless such a recommendation is made that access by the family and its legal representatives to all information relevant to the investigation may be withheld. Were this to occur, the necessary confidence, vital for any inquiry to command respect for its findings, would dissipate. Lord Widgery’s Inquiry into the events of Bloody Sunday is a potent example of an inquiry which never commanded the necessary confidence or respect for its findings as a result of which, almost thirty years later, the UK Government had to establish a second inquiry into the same events. There is a realistic fear, founded on experience, that the government and its security agencies and the Ministry of Defence could seek to subvert the inquiry by asserting wide-scale claims for public interest immunity. Undoubtedly there exist powerful interests who would seek to frustrate any inquiry by asserting such claims. In order to counteract this risk it will be important that your report includes a recommendation that there should be strict adherence to the UN Principles and expressly recognising the concerns expressed herein. In particular, it should be emphasised that the inquiry and the family and its legal representatives must have access to all information relevant to the investigation. As to the extent to which state authorities have been prepared to use PII as a means of preventing effective investigation of the use of lethal force by state agents, your attention is drawn to paras.149-151 of the judgment in McKerr(2) and the conclusion of the European Court at para.157 that the use of PII Certificates had the effect of preventing the inquest examining relevant matters. A copy of this judgment is attached as Annex 4. Moreover, the Chief Constable of the PSNI, Hugh Orde, has admitted that the report by Sir John Stevens into the murder will not be published in full due to ‘intelligence issues’. (3) It is submitted that this reinforces the view held by the family that a full public inquiry is necessary to get to the truth and that it will be essential for your report to include recommendations along the lines suggested above. CONCLUSION For the above reasons it is submitted that you should recommend the following: A full, independent, public judicial inquiry into all the circumstances surrounding the murder of Patrick Finucane; That the inquiry be international in character; That it strictly adheres to relevant international legal standards and in particular the UN Principles on Extra-Legal Executions; That the family and its legal representatives shall have access to "all information relevant to the investigation"; That PII Certificates will not be relied upon to prevent disclosure of any relevant information either to the Inquiry or to the family and its legal representatives 1. Principle 16 of the UN Principles on Extra-Legal Executions provides:"Families of the deceased and their legal representatives shall be informed of, and have access to, any hearing as well as all information relevant to the investigation and shall be entitled to present other evidence …" # ( 8:58 AM ) Wild-Irish Adams to seek legal advice over Omagh Sinn Fein leader, Gerry Adams, says he does not think he has any important evidence to give lawyers acting for the relatives of the victims of the Omagh bombing. Mr Adams and four other republicans have been subpoenaed by some of the victim's relatives to give evidence in the civil compensation action being taken. He says he will take legal advice on the issue. "I have no evidence to offer. Obviously I will have to seek legal advice when I receive this subpoena. I do know there are those who do have evidence. The Special Branch had fore notice of the bombing. Members and elements of British intelligence who were advised by British agents and others of information about this bombing. I just wonder have they received subpoenas as well. I just wonder what this is about." # ( 8:56 AM ) Wild-Irish Adams ordered to appear at Omagh court case SINN FÉIN president Gerry Adams has been ordered to appear at the North's High Court as part of a multi-million pound civil action by relatives of Omagh bomb victims. Martin McGuinness, Pat Doherty, Brian Gillen and Brian Keenan, all alleged members of IRA's ruling army council, have also been subpoenaed by lawyers. The High Court action is due to start later this year when relatives of some of the 29 victims seek stg£10 million compensation from the gang they blame for the August 1998 outrage. Papers served in Belfast claim Mr Adams and the other four led the IRA when Michael McKevitt, another Provo chief, quit to head up the republican dissident group which bombed Omagh. All five have always denied being members of the Provisional IRA. But lawyers believe they could provide information about republican strategy at the time McKevitt quit in a bitter row over Sinn Féin's involvement in the peace process. McKevitt, the IRA's former quartermaster general, is one of the five Real IRA suspects being sued by the relatives in a civil action. A source close to the legal team said last night: "These men were present at five key meetings which led to McKevitt resigning and forming the Real IRA. They are material witnesses who can give evidence about McKevitt's role in that." The legal team has listed five secret Provisional IRA meetings in the run-up to McKevitt's resignation they want to know more details about. These include a general IRA convention in October 1996 and a joint meeting of the republican group's army council and executive in July 1997. Another meeting of the army council and executive on August 27, 1997, and an extraordinary general army convention at Gweedore, Co Donegal, in October that year have also been highlighted. Finally, it is claimed on October 23, 1997 10 months before Omagh there was a meeting of the IRA's executive, at which McKevitt resigned. "The legal inquiries indicate these five people who have been subpoenaed were members of the IRA's army council during 1997," a source said. A spokesman for Mr Adams last night said he had not been made aware of the court summons. # |
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