• Home /
• Statewatch Database /
• Northern Ireland: in brief (5)

Northern Ireland: in brief (5)

01 July 1994

Witnesses Compromised by RUC: Following a loyalist killing in Belfast early this year, the RUC invited four witnesses to Donegall Pass RUC station where an identification parade was organised including the prime suspect.. The witnesses were assured that they would be screened from the suspect and their anonymity secured. This did not happen, however. The first witness was called into a small room in which ten men were lined up. According to this witness, "the policeman read out my name, address and the statement I had made earlier. Everyone in the room heard, all the people in the line-up, including the suspect". The same thing happened to two more of the witnesses who are now living in fear of their lives.

Irish News 6.5.94.

Move on Transfers: Eleven republican prisoners held in English prisons are to be transferred to the North shortly. It is almost two years since the Ferrers Report recommended that transfer criteria be liberalised, a change accepted by government in a statement at Westminster. The transfers will be for six months only in the first instance. Among the eleven is Pat McLaughlin given a life sentence for conspiring to blow up Chelsea Barracks. McLaughlin's claim that he is completely innocent was recently supported by a statement from the Irish National Liberation Army clearing him of any involvement with the group or the Chelsea operation. Supporters of McLaughlin have been campaigning for a fresh appeal but this was turned down by Home Office minister David McLean in April.

Directing Terrorism: For the first time, the new charge under the Emergency Provisions Act 1991 of "directing terrorism" has been used. Two loyalist suspects have been charged with "directing the activities of an organisation concerned in the commission of acts of terrorism, namely the Ulster Freedom Fighters." One of the suspects also faces five murder charges.