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15/11/2012
Killings Inquests Suspended By Coroner
Inquests into 14 controversial killings in Northern Ireland have been suspended after the coroner found the Attorney General may have exceeded his powers.
NI Attorney General John Larkin ordered the inquests into the killings, one of which is the case of Francis Rowntree, an 11-year-old who was hit by a rubber bullet fired by a British soldier in 1972.
Northern Ireland's senior coroner John Leckey announced the adjournment of the hearing over potential national security concerns.
A preliminary hearing into the circumstances of his death was due to begin in Belfast today.
The office of the Attorney General was established in 2010, but matters like national security remain a matter for the Northern Ireland Secretary.
It is disputed by the coroner whether the attorney general had the power to order inquests into material touching on national security issues.
Mr Leckey has now referred the matter to NI Secretary of State Teresa Villiers.
But the family of Francis Rowntree say they are considering a judicial review of the decision.
The Rowntree's family solicitor, Padraig O Muirigh, said: "The decision by the attorney general in June 2012 to direct a fresh inquest was a significant step forward for the Rowntree families' quest for truth.
"They have waited 40 years to have a proper inquest into the death of their loved one and this development is a step backwards for them."
(IT)
NI Attorney General John Larkin ordered the inquests into the killings, one of which is the case of Francis Rowntree, an 11-year-old who was hit by a rubber bullet fired by a British soldier in 1972.
Northern Ireland's senior coroner John Leckey announced the adjournment of the hearing over potential national security concerns.
A preliminary hearing into the circumstances of his death was due to begin in Belfast today.
The office of the Attorney General was established in 2010, but matters like national security remain a matter for the Northern Ireland Secretary.
It is disputed by the coroner whether the attorney general had the power to order inquests into material touching on national security issues.
Mr Leckey has now referred the matter to NI Secretary of State Teresa Villiers.
But the family of Francis Rowntree say they are considering a judicial review of the decision.
The Rowntree's family solicitor, Padraig O Muirigh, said: "The decision by the attorney general in June 2012 to direct a fresh inquest was a significant step forward for the Rowntree families' quest for truth.
"They have waited 40 years to have a proper inquest into the death of their loved one and this development is a step backwards for them."
(IT)
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