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02/07/2003
Finucane family welcomes European Court ruling
The family of murdered Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane has welcomed yesterday's judgement by the European Court of Human Rights that the investigation into his murder was "not effective".
Yesterday's ruling criticised the RUC's handling of the enquiry stating that the British Government had "failed to provide a prompt and effective investigation into the allegations of collusion by security personnel".
Speaking on behalf of the Finucane family, Michael Finucane, son of the
murdered solicitor and also a practising lawyer, said: "My family have never been afraid to put our case forward to be tested. Now, we have a judgment from the highest court in Europe that his right to life was violated.
"The UK have been found wanting because they did not properly protect his life nor investigate his death. It is easy to see why they didn't want to investigate this murder: they were the instigators and facilitators of it.
" The only way that the British Government can hope to reclaim any part of its shattered reputation is by establishing a full, independent judicial public inquiry without any further delay."
This call was echoed further by Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin who said the verdict "was a vindication of the position adopted by the Finucane family". He added: "The identities of those involved in the killing of Pat Finucane are well known. The fact that agencies of the British State used the UDA to carry out this killing is beyond doubt.
"What is required now is a full independent judicial inquiry to establish exactly who authorised and planned this killing - where the chain of command leads.
"Sinn Féin will continue to highlight this issue and will continue to support the Finucane and family and others in their demand for full disclosure and the lid to be lifted on the collusion scandal."
Mr Finucane was shot dead in front of his wife and three children at their Belfast home in 1989 by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA).
His wife Geraldine subsequently criticised the RUC's investigation into her husband's death.
It later emerged during an investigation into alleged collusion between security forces and loyalist paramilitaries that police and army had colluded with the UDA in Mr Finucane's death.
(MB)
Yesterday's ruling criticised the RUC's handling of the enquiry stating that the British Government had "failed to provide a prompt and effective investigation into the allegations of collusion by security personnel".
Speaking on behalf of the Finucane family, Michael Finucane, son of the
murdered solicitor and also a practising lawyer, said: "My family have never been afraid to put our case forward to be tested. Now, we have a judgment from the highest court in Europe that his right to life was violated.
"The UK have been found wanting because they did not properly protect his life nor investigate his death. It is easy to see why they didn't want to investigate this murder: they were the instigators and facilitators of it.
" The only way that the British Government can hope to reclaim any part of its shattered reputation is by establishing a full, independent judicial public inquiry without any further delay."
This call was echoed further by Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin who said the verdict "was a vindication of the position adopted by the Finucane family". He added: "The identities of those involved in the killing of Pat Finucane are well known. The fact that agencies of the British State used the UDA to carry out this killing is beyond doubt.
"What is required now is a full independent judicial inquiry to establish exactly who authorised and planned this killing - where the chain of command leads.
"Sinn Féin will continue to highlight this issue and will continue to support the Finucane and family and others in their demand for full disclosure and the lid to be lifted on the collusion scandal."
Mr Finucane was shot dead in front of his wife and three children at their Belfast home in 1989 by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA).
His wife Geraldine subsequently criticised the RUC's investigation into her husband's death.
It later emerged during an investigation into alleged collusion between security forces and loyalist paramilitaries that police and army had colluded with the UDA in Mr Finucane's death.
(MB)
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23 February 2004
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have met with Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens to discuss the progress of the investigation into his murder.
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have met with Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens to discuss the progress of the investigation into his murder.
26 November 2001
Finucane accused case collapses
The case against the man charged with aiding and abetting in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane 12 years ago has collapsed. Lord Chief Justice Sir Robert Carswell returned a verdict of not guilty in the absence of evidence against William Stobie at Belfast Crown Court on Monday November 26.
Finucane accused case collapses
The case against the man charged with aiding and abetting in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane 12 years ago has collapsed. Lord Chief Justice Sir Robert Carswell returned a verdict of not guilty in the absence of evidence against William Stobie at Belfast Crown Court on Monday November 26.
11 October 2011
Finucane Family Await Inquiry Decision
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have called for 'transparency' should an inquiry be launched into his death. "The British Government must be fully transparent if they choose to launch an inquiry into my father’s murder," said John Finucane.
Finucane Family Await Inquiry Decision
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have called for 'transparency' should an inquiry be launched into his death. "The British Government must be fully transparent if they choose to launch an inquiry into my father’s murder," said John Finucane.
21 June 2002
Finucane children renew calls for public inquiry
The children of murdered Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane have called for an independent public inquiry into their father's death following a BBC documentary containing fresh accusations that security forces colluded in the murder.
Finucane children renew calls for public inquiry
The children of murdered Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane have called for an independent public inquiry into their father's death following a BBC documentary containing fresh accusations that security forces colluded in the murder.
13 January 2004
Government to face legal action over Cory report delays
The Finucane family are to take legal action over the delays in the publishing of the British portions of the Cory report into alleged collusion in a number of killings in Northern Ireland.
Government to face legal action over Cory report delays
The Finucane family are to take legal action over the delays in the publishing of the British portions of the Cory report into alleged collusion in a number of killings in Northern Ireland.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
