The relatives of 120 civilians allegedly murdered by the Loyalist murder squad known as the ‘Glenanne Gang’ in Northern Ireland in 1970’s are in the High Court today fighting for the truth to be revealed. They are judicially reviewing the decision of the UK Government not to complete and publish an overarching thematic report into the Glenanne Gang series of cases that exposes the extent of alleged systemic state collusion. Not only is it alleged that the state failed to protect those murdered and effectively investigate their deaths, but there is strong evidence to suggest that the British Government was involved in their murder.
Yasmine Ahmed, Director of Rights Watch (UK), states:
“The families of the victims have been let down by the failure to properly investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the deaths. Where there are allegations of state involvement, it is all the more important that the obligation to conduct a thorough, prompt and effective investigation, as required by Article 2 ECHR, is fulfilled.
The UK Government has completed 80% of the report that investigates expensive and systemic state collusion in relation to the Glenanne Gang murders and is now citing financial and other considerations as the reason for not completing and publishing the report. This is completely farcical and places the United Kingdom in a category of countries that it usually cites in its ‘countries of concern’ section of its Annual Human Rights and Democracy Report.
This case is symptomatic of the failure of legacy bodies in Northern Ireland to adequately investigate cases involving state collusion. It is vital that the state upholds its international and domestic obligations to conduct an effective investigation.”
ENDS
For further information contact info@rightsandsecurity.org
Check out other news of interest
