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21/05/2002
MI5 call for restrictions on Shayler’s evidence to Inquiry
The British security service MI5 has applied for special restrictions to be put in place for the evidence of a former MI5 agent who is due to appear before the Bloody Sunday Tribunal in Derry.
The application, due to be heard this Monday, calls for the Inquiry chamber to be cleared during David Shayler’s evidence.
The controversy arises over evidence given by a double agent code-named 'Infliction', via his handler David Shayler, alleging that Martin McGuinness, currently the Minister for Education in the power-sharing executive, fired the first shot on Bloody Sunday.
Mr Shayler has since cast doubts however on the reliability of this evidence in a report in the Sunday Observer last year.
Nevertheless it is thought that security sources are concerned that evidence given in public might help identity 'Infliction' and put the informer’s life in jeopardy.
The families of the victims have said they are outraged at the application. Michael McKinney, of the Bloody Sunday Trust, whose brother William was one of the 13 people killed by paratroopers that day, said: “This is similar to the 20 police witnesses being able to give their evidence from behind screens and then again when the venue was changed to London for certain witnesses. This inquiry is continually getting obstructed from people and organisations involved – particularly by the soldiers, the RUC and Ministry of Defence.”
Mr McKinney added: “I would be surprised if the Inquiry’s decision did swing our way.”
The submission is expected to call on all barristers, solicitors and families to clear the court except for Lord Saville and Counsel to the Inquiry Christopher Clarke QC.
The Home Office, which is responsible for handling inquiries directly relating to the MI5, said it was their policy not to comment on any intelligence matters.
(AMcE)
The application, due to be heard this Monday, calls for the Inquiry chamber to be cleared during David Shayler’s evidence.
The controversy arises over evidence given by a double agent code-named 'Infliction', via his handler David Shayler, alleging that Martin McGuinness, currently the Minister for Education in the power-sharing executive, fired the first shot on Bloody Sunday.
Mr Shayler has since cast doubts however on the reliability of this evidence in a report in the Sunday Observer last year.
Nevertheless it is thought that security sources are concerned that evidence given in public might help identity 'Infliction' and put the informer’s life in jeopardy.
The families of the victims have said they are outraged at the application. Michael McKinney, of the Bloody Sunday Trust, whose brother William was one of the 13 people killed by paratroopers that day, said: “This is similar to the 20 police witnesses being able to give their evidence from behind screens and then again when the venue was changed to London for certain witnesses. This inquiry is continually getting obstructed from people and organisations involved – particularly by the soldiers, the RUC and Ministry of Defence.”
Mr McKinney added: “I would be surprised if the Inquiry’s decision did swing our way.”
The submission is expected to call on all barristers, solicitors and families to clear the court except for Lord Saville and Counsel to the Inquiry Christopher Clarke QC.
The Home Office, which is responsible for handling inquiries directly relating to the MI5, said it was their policy not to comment on any intelligence matters.
(AMcE)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
