Households voice concern of potential influence of invoice on La Mon bomb investigation
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oncern has been expressed round any potential influence of the Government’s legacy invoice on a contemporary probe into the La Mon bomb assault.
Twelve individuals had been killed and scores extra injured when the Provisional IRA exploded a bomb on the lodge on the outskirts of Belfast in 1978.
The Police Ombudsman began a brand new investigation into the atrocity final 12 months.
Victims group Ulster Human Rights Watch (UHRW) has expressed concern this probe may very well be impacted by the legacy invoice.
The Government’s invoice, which is at the moment making its method via Parliament, would supply immunity for individuals accused of crimes throughout the Troubles, so long as they co-operate with a brand new reality restoration physique often called the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (Icrir).
It would additionally halt future civil circumstances and inquests linked to killings throughout the battle.
The invoice has been extensively criticised by Northern Ireland’s political events, the Irish Government and victims’ teams.
UHRW advocacy service supervisor, Axel Schmidt mentioned the group has written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak looking for assurances the Ombudsman investigation will be capable to proceed.
“This is a straightforward matter for relatives and survivors of La Mon: can the Ombudsman’s Office proceed with the investigation it started in 2022 and expects to have completed in April next year,” he mentioned.
“The sole major obstacle that could jeopardise the completion of this investigation is the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, which may come into force in the near future.
“For this reason, taking into account the seriousness of this case and the length of time the victims have been waiting for this investigation to be carried out, I have asked that the Prime Minister urgently intervene so as to ensure that this investigation can be continued by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland until its conclusion.
“Survivors and relatives will take great comfort if the Prime Minister agrees.
“If, on the other hand, he refuses the request, then those who are left with the traumatic injuries of that awful night will be denied access to the truth and feel left behind, abandoned and betrayed by their Government.
“It would be a shocking disregard of their suffering and resilience over many years if they were to fail to get this all-important assurance from the Prime Minister.”
The Government has been approached for a response.