Menu
22/02/2002
Families to appeal police screening at Bloody Sunday inquiry
The relatives of Bloody Sunday victims have lodged papers appealing a High Court decision which allows for the screening of police witnesses.
Papers were lodged on Thursday February 21 with the Court of Appeal challenging a decision made earlier this week which ruled that 20 police witnesses should be allowed to give their evidence whilst screened from the public and from the families of the deceased and the wounded.
The Saville Inquiry is examining the events of Bloody Sunday, 30 January 1972 when 13 civilians were shot dead by British Army soldiers during a civil rights march. A 14th person died later.
Speaking on behalf of the families' solicitors Kieran Rainey said: “It is a matter of the utmost importance to the families that this ruling is challenged.
"A blanket grant of screening to the majority of police witnesses erodes the public nature of the Inquiry and effectively excludes the families from almost an entire section of evidence.
"Moreover, the families fear that soldiers, not satisfied with anonymity and a change of venue, will soon apply for screening and will rely on any decision given in favour of these witnesses."
The Bloody Sunday Inquiry chaired by Lord Saville of Newdigate is based in Derry City's Guildhall.
The inquiry began nearly four years ago and a report is not expected until 2004.
Witnesses are immune from prosecution. The inquiry is aimed at solely establishing the facts about what happened.
(AMcE)
Papers were lodged on Thursday February 21 with the Court of Appeal challenging a decision made earlier this week which ruled that 20 police witnesses should be allowed to give their evidence whilst screened from the public and from the families of the deceased and the wounded.
The Saville Inquiry is examining the events of Bloody Sunday, 30 January 1972 when 13 civilians were shot dead by British Army soldiers during a civil rights march. A 14th person died later.
Speaking on behalf of the families' solicitors Kieran Rainey said: “It is a matter of the utmost importance to the families that this ruling is challenged.
"A blanket grant of screening to the majority of police witnesses erodes the public nature of the Inquiry and effectively excludes the families from almost an entire section of evidence.
"Moreover, the families fear that soldiers, not satisfied with anonymity and a change of venue, will soon apply for screening and will rely on any decision given in favour of these witnesses."
The Bloody Sunday Inquiry chaired by Lord Saville of Newdigate is based in Derry City's Guildhall.
The inquiry began nearly four years ago and a report is not expected until 2004.
Witnesses are immune from prosecution. The inquiry is aimed at solely establishing the facts about what happened.
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
02 November 2001
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
09 April 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.
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.
15 May 2002
Bloody Sunday Families walk out in protest
The Bloody Sunday families have walked out of the Saville Inquiry in Londonderry in protest at the screening of a police witness. The families said they were affronted that they had to leave the chamber in the Guildhall while the police witness was brought in to give his testimony.
Bloody Sunday Families walk out in protest
The Bloody Sunday families have walked out of the Saville Inquiry in Londonderry in protest at the screening of a police witness. The families said they were affronted that they had to leave the chamber in the Guildhall while the police witness was brought in to give his testimony.
12 February 2002
Bloody Sunday families to challenge police screening
A Belfast High Court judge has allowed the families of those killed on Bloody Sunday leave to challenge a ruling that police officers should give evidence from behind screens. Mr Justice Kerr gave the families leave to seek a judicial review of the decision made last week by the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, chaired by Lord Saville in Londonderry.
Bloody Sunday families to challenge police screening
A Belfast High Court judge has allowed the families of those killed on Bloody Sunday leave to challenge a ruling that police officers should give evidence from behind screens. Mr Justice Kerr gave the families leave to seek a judicial review of the decision made last week by the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, chaired by Lord Saville in Londonderry.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
