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13/05/2003
Scappaticci denies 'Stakeknife' allegations
A Belfast man at the centre of the 'Stakeknife' row has issued a statement today denying ever being an IRA informer.
Freddie Scappaticci issued the statement through his solicitor on Tuesday after Sunday newspapers claimed he was a senior figure in the IRA in Belfast for several decades, and that he also worked for the Army's Force Research Unit inside the republican organisation.
In his statement, issued via solicitor Michael Flanigan, Mr Scappaticci said he would be denying "each and every one of these allegations".
The statement continued: "He is not 'Stakeknife'. He has never been an informer, has never contacted the intelligence services, has never been taken into protective custody and has never received any money from the security services.
"Mr Scappaticci is an ordinary working man living in West Belfast and as such has no means at his disposal to combat this onslaught of false allegations.
"He has not been arrested and no attempt has been made by the police to speak to him about any of the matters referred to by the media."
The statement also said that Mr Scappaticci had not been contacted by the Stevens team which is investigating claims of collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and security forces.
Scappaticci is alleged to have been involved in numerous murders throughout Northern Ireland's troubles despite working for the British Army's Force Research Unit (FRU) which had infiltrated the republican group's organisation.
Following the statement SDLP councillor Alban Maginness said the revelations pointed to the need for a full public judicial inquiry into FRU.
He added: “There is a need for a full judicial public inquiry to take place without delay. Light must be shone in the darkest corners to uncover all the activities of the Force Research Unit."
(MB)
Freddie Scappaticci issued the statement through his solicitor on Tuesday after Sunday newspapers claimed he was a senior figure in the IRA in Belfast for several decades, and that he also worked for the Army's Force Research Unit inside the republican organisation.
In his statement, issued via solicitor Michael Flanigan, Mr Scappaticci said he would be denying "each and every one of these allegations".
The statement continued: "He is not 'Stakeknife'. He has never been an informer, has never contacted the intelligence services, has never been taken into protective custody and has never received any money from the security services.
"Mr Scappaticci is an ordinary working man living in West Belfast and as such has no means at his disposal to combat this onslaught of false allegations.
"He has not been arrested and no attempt has been made by the police to speak to him about any of the matters referred to by the media."
The statement also said that Mr Scappaticci had not been contacted by the Stevens team which is investigating claims of collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and security forces.
Scappaticci is alleged to have been involved in numerous murders throughout Northern Ireland's troubles despite working for the British Army's Force Research Unit (FRU) which had infiltrated the republican group's organisation.
Following the statement SDLP councillor Alban Maginness said the revelations pointed to the need for a full public judicial inquiry into FRU.
He added: “There is a need for a full judicial public inquiry to take place without delay. Light must be shone in the darkest corners to uncover all the activities of the Force Research Unit."
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
