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16/12/2016
Two Former Soldiers To Be Prosecuted Over Murder Of IRA Man
Two former soldiers are to be prosecuted in connection with the fatal shooting of an Official IRA man in Belfast in 1972.
Joe McCann, who was a prominent member of the Official IRA, was fatally shot in the Markets area.
The pair, known as Soldier A and Soldier C, are the surviving members of the Army patrol who shot Mr McCann.
A spokesperson from the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said that following careful consideration of the available evidence, it had been decided that murder charges would be brought against the two men.
A police investigation was carried out in the 1970s, however no-one was prosecuted.
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said: "It has long been believed that Joe McCann was murdered by the British army.
"His family have been campaigning for more than 40 years and they are entitled to justice.
"This is now a live case and those charged, like everyone, are entitled to due process.
"But it does highlight the fact that no one is or can be above the law, regardless of how long ago the incident took place.
"It also underscores the need to address the outstanding issues around dealing with the legacy of the past.
"Sinn Féin will continue to support the families of victims as they campaign for truth and justice."
(CD/LM)
Joe McCann, who was a prominent member of the Official IRA, was fatally shot in the Markets area.
The pair, known as Soldier A and Soldier C, are the surviving members of the Army patrol who shot Mr McCann.
A spokesperson from the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said that following careful consideration of the available evidence, it had been decided that murder charges would be brought against the two men.
A police investigation was carried out in the 1970s, however no-one was prosecuted.
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said: "It has long been believed that Joe McCann was murdered by the British army.
"His family have been campaigning for more than 40 years and they are entitled to justice.
"This is now a live case and those charged, like everyone, are entitled to due process.
"But it does highlight the fact that no one is or can be above the law, regardless of how long ago the incident took place.
"It also underscores the need to address the outstanding issues around dealing with the legacy of the past.
"Sinn Féin will continue to support the families of victims as they campaign for truth and justice."
(CD/LM)
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