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08/07/2011
Victim's Family 'Unhappy' With Murder Inquiry
The family of a young mother who was shot dead by the IRA thirty years ago have expressed their concerns about the inquiry into her murder.
Joanne Mathers, a 29-year-old mother-of-one, was shot dead as she collected census forms in the Waterside area of Londonderry in 1981.
A fresh investigation into her murder was launched in March by the Historical Enquiries Team (HET), after Mrs Mathers' husband made an appeal for the case to be reopened.
Her family said they were unhappy with how the investigation by the Historical Enquiries Team (HET) has been handled.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell, who has been supporting the family, said that they had asked him to contact the HET on their behalf. Mr Campbell told reporters that the family had asked the HET a number of questions on topics including the questioning of certain people and if there had been an attempt to get exhibits from the time the shooting occurred, which had all received negative responses.
The MP also said that the family had wanted the HET to question Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness about the case.
Responding to the comments, a Sinn Fein spokesperson said that the case showed the need for an Independent International Truth Commission: "Republicans are very conscious of the hurt and suffering which has been caused through conflict in our country. Sinn Féin believes that there needs to be an effective process for dealing with all legacy issues. Therefore, we believe that the British and Irish governments should invite a reputable and independent international body to establish an Independent International Truth Commission."
A spokesperson for the HET said that they did comment on specific cases. They also said that they worked with families on a confidential basis and would publish a comprehensive report detailing its findings at the conclusion of the review process.
(KMcA/GK)
Joanne Mathers, a 29-year-old mother-of-one, was shot dead as she collected census forms in the Waterside area of Londonderry in 1981.
A fresh investigation into her murder was launched in March by the Historical Enquiries Team (HET), after Mrs Mathers' husband made an appeal for the case to be reopened.
Her family said they were unhappy with how the investigation by the Historical Enquiries Team (HET) has been handled.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell, who has been supporting the family, said that they had asked him to contact the HET on their behalf. Mr Campbell told reporters that the family had asked the HET a number of questions on topics including the questioning of certain people and if there had been an attempt to get exhibits from the time the shooting occurred, which had all received negative responses.
The MP also said that the family had wanted the HET to question Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness about the case.
Responding to the comments, a Sinn Fein spokesperson said that the case showed the need for an Independent International Truth Commission: "Republicans are very conscious of the hurt and suffering which has been caused through conflict in our country. Sinn Féin believes that there needs to be an effective process for dealing with all legacy issues. Therefore, we believe that the British and Irish governments should invite a reputable and independent international body to establish an Independent International Truth Commission."
A spokesperson for the HET said that they did comment on specific cases. They also said that they worked with families on a confidential basis and would publish a comprehensive report detailing its findings at the conclusion of the review process.
(KMcA/GK)
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