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27/05/2002
Saville will not question agent Infliction
A former MI5 agent who claimed Sinn Féin’s chief negotiator Martin McGuinness fired the first shot on Bloody Sunday will not have to give evidence to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry.
Lord Saville of Newdigate today ruled that double agent code named Infliction would not be called to give evidence because of fears for his life.
Infliction, an IRA informer, alleged Mr McGuinness told him he had fired the first shot on January 30, 1972 when 13 civilians were killed by Paratroopers in Derry. A 14th person died later.
Tribunal chairman Lord Saville said today they were satisfied that to call Infliction would put his life at risk, and would be a breach of his human rights.
The announcement followed a public interest immunity application made by MI5 to protect the identity of the agent, who the tribunal heard was living abroad.
Another security service application restricting access is currently under Lord Saville’s consideration in relation to the testimony of Infliction handler’s - agents A and B and former MI5 agent David Shayler.
In a statement to the tribunal last year Mr Shayler cast doubts on the reliability of Infliction’s evidence concerning Martin McGuinness. However it is thought testimony from agents A and B will in turn try to discredit Mr Shayler.
The application would want the tribunal, heard in London, to be cleared except for the three judges, Counsel to the Inquiry Christopher Clarke QC and security service personnel during their testimony.
The public application signed by John Denham, junior minister from the Home Office would ensure Mr Clarke would read from a prepared and vetted list of questions
In addition, if the application is approved by the inquiry, MI5 lawyers would be given an hour to vet the transcript of evidence given by Shayler and A and B before releasing it to the public in case it revealed any detail or hint as to the identity of Infliction.
Ciaran Shiels lawyer for the families said: “These gagging restrictions would render Infliction’s testimony completely meaningless.”
(AMcE)
Lord Saville of Newdigate today ruled that double agent code named Infliction would not be called to give evidence because of fears for his life.
Infliction, an IRA informer, alleged Mr McGuinness told him he had fired the first shot on January 30, 1972 when 13 civilians were killed by Paratroopers in Derry. A 14th person died later.
Tribunal chairman Lord Saville said today they were satisfied that to call Infliction would put his life at risk, and would be a breach of his human rights.
The announcement followed a public interest immunity application made by MI5 to protect the identity of the agent, who the tribunal heard was living abroad.
Another security service application restricting access is currently under Lord Saville’s consideration in relation to the testimony of Infliction handler’s - agents A and B and former MI5 agent David Shayler.
In a statement to the tribunal last year Mr Shayler cast doubts on the reliability of Infliction’s evidence concerning Martin McGuinness. However it is thought testimony from agents A and B will in turn try to discredit Mr Shayler.
The application would want the tribunal, heard in London, to be cleared except for the three judges, Counsel to the Inquiry Christopher Clarke QC and security service personnel during their testimony.
The public application signed by John Denham, junior minister from the Home Office would ensure Mr Clarke would read from a prepared and vetted list of questions
In addition, if the application is approved by the inquiry, MI5 lawyers would be given an hour to vet the transcript of evidence given by Shayler and A and B before releasing it to the public in case it revealed any detail or hint as to the identity of Infliction.
Ciaran Shiels lawyer for the families said: “These gagging restrictions would render Infliction’s testimony completely meaningless.”
(AMcE)
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