Councillors’ Compensation Proposals Prompt Call for Conflict Reparations scheme

News that councillors who decide not to stand for election in the proposed new 11 council boundaries are to receive a special financial severance package in ‘recognition’ of their service during the ‘troubles’ has led to calls for a comprehensive reparations package for the civilian bereaved and injured of the conflict.   Relatives for Justice [...]

Margaret Thatcher

In relation to Ireland Thatcher’s role was an appalling and shameful episode that left in its wake an awful legacy of death and hurt that still remains unsolved. These injustices are as tangible today as they were when committed demanding accountability despite her passing.   From the prisons to the streets she had the power [...]

“Iraq 10 Years On”

IRAQ 10 YEARS ON By Dr Kathleen Cavanaugh Thursday April 18th 7.30pm RFJ Offices 39 Glen Road Dr Cavanaugh will also be making observations on her recent visits to PALESTINE Kathleen Cavanaugh is currently a Lecturer of International Law in the Faculty of Law, Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR), National University of Ireland, Galway. [...]

Preliminary Inquest into Gerard Slane’s killing – state secrets sought by family

At preliminary inquest hearing yesterday into Gerard’s killing Teresa Slane, Eileen Slane (Gerard’s sister), Paul Pierce lawyer for the family of Kevin Winters Law (KRW Law), and Lauren Fagan also from KRW Law, Mark Thompson RFJ Director.   It was disclosed that there are 20 lever arch folders of sensitive material relating to Gerard’s murder. These relate [...]

Article by Mark Thompson calling for international intervention regarding truth for victims

There has been much hurt visited on all sides. Republicans, the state and loyalists have all inflicted atrocities and were equally the victims of atrocities. As a result there are entrenched views and hardened hearts and despite the peace process for some these have not lessened. That is understandable.   There is an unresolved and [...]

Invitation to Workshop with Dr David Becker

Click here for pdf of Invitation from Relatives for Justice and WAVE  Invitation – Peter Froggatt Centre- Pdf   An Invitation to participate in a ‘ Conversation with Dr David Becker about assessment- the lessons from other conflict areas’ on Thursday 7th March, at 6.30pm Peter Froggatt Centre (2nd floor), Queen’s University, Belfast  Dr David [...]

Lunch Time Chat to Show 5 Broken Cameras 5th March

  1pm Tuesday 5th March the Lunchtime Chat will show Oscar Nominated 5 Broken Cameras Light Lunch Provided All Welcome    

Statement from the family of Denis Donaldson issued by Madden and Finucane

MADDEN & FINUCANE SOLICITORS Patrick J. Finucane (1949 – 1989)                                                                         88 Castle Street Peter J. Madden    Ciarán Shiels                                                                          Belfast, BT1 1HE Michael Madden    Fearghal Shiels                                                                   Tel: 028 9023 8007 Paul Mc Cann            Roisin Mc Kenna                                                                    Fax: 028 9043 9276 Lynn Day                 Patrick Madden                                                                     DX Box No: 434 NR Jack Quigley            [...]

Time for International Examination of Pattern of British State Abuses

  Today lawyers, representing a significant number of Iraqi citizens, are in the High Court in London seeking an order for a public inquiry into torture and killings by the British Army.   The court heard this morning of a litany of abuses in statements by torture survivors, the bereaved and witnesses to killings.   [...]

RFJ’s Casework team met with the HMIC investigators re concerns around the operation of the HET. This investgation was ordered by the Policing Board following publication of a report by Dr Patricia Lundy of University of Ulster. her report raised issues of fundamental concern regarding the operation of the HET, particularly regarding investigations implicating the state in [...]

RFJ calls for British and Irish Governments to invite UN Special Rapporteur on Truth to visit

Relatives for Justice have today called on the Irish and British governments to invite the UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion of Truth, Justice, Reparations and Guarantees of Non-Recurrence, Pablo De Greiff, to visit the north.   The call comes on the day the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedoms of Peaceful Assembly and Association, Maini [...]

Social Media Promotion of Shankill Butchers Grotesque and Odious

Following sectarian comments posted on twitter in support, including calling for a return of the notorious Shankill Butchers murder gang Relatives for Justice, which supports a number of the families, has issued the following statement; ‘These comments represent some of the most vile, odious and repugnant sectarian remarks we have ever witnessed concerning the murder [...]

Exciting New Programme beginning at end of January for families who lost women and girls

Her Story is a new Programme beginning on January 29th at 7pm in the Glen Road office. Her Story is a project for those who lost women and girls during the conflict. Our recent conflict caused terrible pain and loss. Families were left with horrific scars as those they loved were ripped from them. While [...]

Landmark decision regarding Loughinisland – families vindicated

Speaking after this morning’s decision in the High Court to quash the previous report by the former Ombudsman Al Hutchinson Emma Rogan, the daughter of Adrian Rogan killed in the attack, said: ‘We welcome this decision. ‘The previous report is now binned. ‘ We have been vindicated in our decision to rightly challenge that report [...]

Bloody Sunday Investigation must include all activities by Paras

The long awaited announcement today that the police investigation into the murders in Derry in January 1972 known as Bloody Sunday will commence in the new year will prompt families from across the North to contribute to their investigation. In 1971 and 1972 the British army’s Parachute Regiment murdered civilians with complete impunity. In August [...]

Article by Deputy Director Andrée Murphy on Dealing with the Past

The site http://www.eamonnmallie.com is becoming a site for important discussions on dealing with the past. This is a link to an article written by our Deputy Director on that theme http://eamonnmallie.com/2012/12/northern-ireland-conquered-bigger-problems-than-past/

Collusion Report 1990 -1994

COLLUSION REPORT 1990 -1994 PDF

Loughinisland Families vindicated in Ombudsman challenge

Tonight news has broken that the Police Ombudsman Michael Maguire is set to order a fresh investigation into allegations of collusion in the Loughinisland massacre in 1994. Relatives for Justice Director Mark Thompson, who will be accompanying the six families whose loved ones were killed by the UVF in 1994 and their legal representative, Mr. [...]

The speech by Clara Reilly at the unveiling of Mural to Pat Finucane

  Clara Reilly’s Speech   I knew Pat Finucane personally – I considered him a friend as well as a colleague. A trusted individual with principle, integrity and above all humanity.   Pat was from this community. He did well. He never forgot his community or his neighbours. He had a burning sense of deep [...]

Teresa Slane gets first view of the De Silva report

Pictured after emerging from reading the de Silva report into the murder of Pat Finucance at the Stormont Hotel Belfast. All three had been in a ‘lockdown’ room under strict conditions having been given access to the report prior to its publication. The report mentioned the circumstance relating to the murder of Gerard. Speaking after [...]

De Silva Report – more questions and frustrations

Sometimes unsatisfactory processes move things along despite our reservations. Today is one of those days. The De Silva report is unsatisfactory. It is flawed. It is exactly what all those concerned with human rights feared it might be.  However the debate in the House of Commons on the outworkings of collusion is vitally important and [...]

Pat Finucane Mural to be Unveiled this Sunday at 2pm Beechmount Drive

An earlier tweet and flier made the mistake of saying that the new mural to be unveiled on Sunday to Pat Finucane would be on Beechmount Ave – it will be on Beechmount DRIVE – beside Falls Community Council. Blame the Dub who works in RFJ for getting muddled up!

RFJ and McErlean family meet Victims Commissioner

Please Support Finucane Family Ahead of De Silva report

Walking Groups back in action after Christmas

Following this morning’s lovely walk and chats Mark T has asked our website team to promote our walking groups in Dungannon and Belfast. New walkers are very welcome in the New Year. Weather permitting it will be back in action the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of January. The groups aim to build friendships and fitness [...]

New Mural to Pat Finucane on Eve of De Silva Report

Cuireadh               Invitation In advance of the publication of the report by Desmond De Silva on the murder of Human Rights Solicitor Pat Finucane   The Finucane family invite you to join them at the unveiling of a new mural at Beechmount Avenue, Belfast     Sunday 9th December at 2pm Speakers: Finucane [...]

De Silva report on 12th will be tested

The not so eagerly awaited report on the murder of Pat Finucane by Desmond De Silva on 12th December is an opportunity to refresh our minds of what is already in the public domain. Not least is the last report by John Stevens in 2003. Which can be found on http://www.madden-finucane.com/pat/archive/pat_finucane/2003-04-17_stevens_report.pdf Anything that is announced [...]

New Commissioner making a good first impression

The new Victims Commissioner has made a good start. By being clearly focussed on the needs of all victims and survivors and taking seriously her mandate this is a breath of fresh air in a very difficult climate. Her statement on the inquest debacle is family focussed and recognises the impact on families – instead [...]

Gerard Lawlor report

To read the full PDF of the Report published by the Independent panel which heard all evidence given at the Gerard Lawlor COmmunity Inquiry please click here Gerard Lawlor Report

Last Minute Twist for HET Challenge

The family of 16 year-old Gerard Gibson shot dead by British soldiers July 11th 1972 in West Belfast (pictured below with Kevin Winters and RFJ Director Mark Thompson, photo courtesy of Jonathan Porter, Press Eye), were forced to take a judicial review of a failure by the the Historical Enquiries Team (HET) to conduct an effective investigation into [...]

Gerard Lawlor case raises significant questions

The killing of Gerard Lawlor 10 years ago raises questions about agents, collusion, PSNI investigations, and accountability. Today’s press conference held by the parents of Gerard Lawlor’s parents in response to the report by an independent panel who examined the case of their son’s murder in 2002 raised all of these issues. We await a [...]

Launch of Findings of Gerard Lawlor Inquiry

GERARD LAWLOR COMMUNITY INQUIRY – REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS     WELCOMING REMARKS   On behalf of the family and friends of Gerard Lawlor, I would like to welcome you all here this morning to present the findings of this report.   After 10 years of engagement with all of the agencies of the state who had [...]

Coroner Dismisses Attorney General and Denies Legacy Inquests

Coroner John Leckey this morning questioned the powers of the North’s most senior legal figure, Attorney General John Larkin, concerning his power to reopen legacy inquests.   The shock announcement was made at a preliminary inquest hearing at May’s Chambers when coroner John Leckey read out a brief statement to the court saying that he [...]

RFJ women plan trip to Dublin

On Monday morning 16 women from RFJ will be travelling to contribute to a conference on Women Peace and Security organised by Feminist organisationHannah’s House. They will meet with President Higgins who will be delivering the keynote address. All of these women have been violently bereaved during our conflict. They have much to contribute to [...]

Family of Gerard Gibson speak exclusively to BBC about their court challenge

Please follow this link to see BBC journalist Vincent Kearney’s item on the challenge by the family of Gerard Gibson to the HET’s lack of independence and effectiveness http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20128699

Family of 16yr old victim of British army bring HET to Court

Statement by the family of 16 year-old Gerard Gibson who was killed by the British army on July 11th 1972 concerning application to the High Court seeking leave by way of Judicial Review to challenge the PSNI’s Historical Enquiries Team (HET) on their failure to effectively and independently examine Gerard’s killing. Relatives for Justice is [...]

RFJ’s Mark Sykes speaking on Collusion last night in Armagh

More Evidence of the British State Arming Loyalism

Today’s Guardian has an exclusive piece by Ian Cobain drawing on his research involving Relatives for Justice. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/oct/15/uk-arms-northern-ireland-loyalist-massacre Relatives for Justice was the first organisation to link the 1987 shipment of weaponry to loyalism with the massive increase in killings by loyalist actors. In the seminal work Collusion 1990-1994 the victims of these weapons are [...]

Welfare Reform Bill – what an insult

David Cameron’s words today trying to persuade that the proposed welfare reform bill is some kindness from those who know about welfare dependency are nothing short of sickening. No mention whatsoever has been made of those who live in an area devastated by conflict. People who through no fault of their own were abandoned after [...]

Lies, Cover Up and Pay Offs – Concern for Human Rights

Speaking tonight in light of the Audit Report on the rehiring of RUC into the PSNI Director of Relatives for Justice Mark Thompson has made the following statement: ‘Relatives for Justice have been engaged in a number of FOI requests concerning the re-employment of former RUC officers who retired under Patten with very generous severance [...]

HET show fundamental flaws – again

The HET report into the murders of Jack and Kevin McKearney in 1992 highlight a fundamental problem with the approach of the HET Individualising murders into singular criminal cases will never interrogate the outstanding gross human rights violation that is collusion By producing a report that acknowledges the destruction of key and vital evidence by [...]

Hewadlkinfewhigj

qighdgdfjhds ggsdfjsjfsdg jsdf jkdfjs

Belfast City Council Insult Victims of State Violence – Again

Belfast City Council’s plans to erect a memorial to those who carried out Operation Banner is another insult from this council to many of the citizens of Belfast bereaved and injured by the British state and its agents. Relatives for Justice learned last night of the “consultation” by Belfast City Council to find the most [...]

Successful Relatives for Justice Opening Night

Monday 3rd September saw the extension of our support services in North Belfast with an opening night at our newly rented offices in Brompton Park. The event was attended by all members of staff who will deliver a wide range of support and advice locally to those bereaved and injured as a result of the [...]

Remembering Quilt in Kennedy Centre Belfast

Relatives for Justice staff erected the Remembering Quilt in the Kennedy Centre today as part of Féile an Phobail. The response has been fantastic from shoppers and passers by. It will be on display all through Féile  

Families of IRA Volunteers call on British government to come clean on Shoot-to-Kill

A copy of the full statement by the families released today in Relatives for Justice offices: Families of IRA Volunteers call on British government to come clean on Shoot-to-Kill We, the families of Peter Clancy, Sean O’Farrell, Patrick Vincent, and my own brother Barry O’Donnell, killed in a pre-planned, pre-meditated SAS shoot-to-kill ambush on February [...]

Claudy comments contribute to broader debate on the past

Martin McGuinness’s comments in relation to Claudy are unambiguous and rightly forthright. They make a very important contribution to the need to deal with our collective past and we would hope that they in someway assist healing the hurts of those bereaved and injured. That past involved three key sets of protagonists each responsible for [...]

Reconciliation and Redressing the Past

Considering that the duty of every State under international law to respect and to secure respect for human rights requires that effective measures should be taken to combat impunity, Aware that there can be no just and lasting reconciliation unless the need for justice is effectively satisfied, Equally aware that forgiveness, which may be an [...]

BBC broadcast RFJ discovery of secret documents

A link to tonights BBC Newsline where the RFJ discovery of MoD secret documents proves state policy of impunity for state killings http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18498301#?utm_term=BBC&utm_content=Newsline&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

State Impunity Was Official Policy

Relatives for Justice Press Release – Monday June 18th 2012 Unearthed official British government document from July 1972 shows evidence of impunity for killings carried out by British soldiers (download document here) The document is of a July 10th 1972 strategic government and security meeting at Stormont Castle involving the Secretary for State William Whitelaw [...]

Use of Plastic Bullets will fuel Racial Tensions

Press Notification – Policing and Plastic Bullets – Press Notification Press Conference in House of Commons “Use of Plastic Bullets will fuel Racial Tensions” A press conference will be held this Thursday 21st June 9am -10am in Room C, House of Commons 1 Parliament Street, London SW1A calling for a ban on the use of [...]

40th Anniversary of the Killing of Martha Campbell

Anniversary of the Killing of Martha Campbell Walking Martha’s Steps Monday 14th May 7pm, Corpus Christi Chapel On 14th May 1972 13yr old Martha Campbell went to 7pm Mass. After Mass Martha and her friend made their way up Springhill Avenue to visit another friend who lived in Springhill Crescent. Before reaching their friend’s house [...]

Stephen McConomy Remembered

The family of 11 yr old Stephen McConomy killed by a plastic bullet in April 1982 are to mark the 30th anniversary of his killing this Thursday in Derry. Stephen’s brother Emmet is interviewed in this article in the Derry Journal http://www.derryjournal.com/news/local/remembering-stephen-11-shot-by-british-army-1-3733097  

Disappointment at Baggott’s Recommendation

05/04/2012 It is with disappointment that Relatives for Justice have heard today’s news from the Policing Board. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary being invited by the Chief Constable to examine the issues surrounding the Historical Enquiries Team causes further concern rather than assuages it. The HMIC is not an independent body. One indication of the [...]

RFJ Director Addresses Congress

Relatives for Justice Director Mark Thompson gave evidence to the Helsinki Commission of the United States Congress Below is the link to the video of this evidence http://player.vimeo.com/video/39205410?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0 The following is the text of the submission entered into the record Submitted Testimony to the Helsinki Commission US Congressional Hearing (March 22nd 2012) by Mr. Mark Thompson, [...]

Article by RFJ Deputy Director in this month’s Hannah’s House EZine

An article by yours truly in this month’s republican feminist organisation Hannah’s House ezine examines the potential practical application of an action plan on UN resolution 1325 if it were applied on both sides of the border.  http://www.hannashouse.ie/PDFs/ezine_march.pdf

Relatives for Justice New Belfast Home

March has been an exciting month with the move of the Belfast office of RFJ to 39 Glen Road BT11 8BB. We now have accessible premises for all of our members – much larger space for activities and meetings and better space for staff. On International Women’s Day two signs went up on our new [...]

Sadness as Donald Payne dies

It is with great sadness that Relatives for Justice learned of the passing of Donald Payne today. Not only has the American, African American and Irish American community lost a friend and advocate – so has Ireland and her people. Congressman Payne was a public representative who became a friend of Ireland and the Irish [...]

RFJ recruitment

This Process is now closed RFJ wish to appoint 2 Transitional Legacies Project Workers. This is a trans-generational programme aimed at addressing the lived effects of conflict related trauma. The programme is funded by Special Programme for Peace and Reconciliation “Peace III” For further information or to request an application pack please contact our Dungannon [...]

Family Pack Launch

Relatives for Justice held a very successful launch of our new family pack in Falls Library today. Junior Minister at OFMdFM Martin Anderson MLA, did the honours and along with Ballymurphy Massacre relative Carmel Quinn, Family Support Co-ordinator Pauline Fitzpatrick, Director Mark Thompson and RFJ sessional therapist Bríd Keenan, over 60 families gave the new [...]

Cameron decision not to hold public enquiry into Pat Finucane’s death

John Finucane talking on Irish Radio Network USA Finucane decision will leave doubts and concerns over case: Corey (thedetail.tv) John Finucane, Mark Thompson and Mike Nesbitt on Radio Ulster (clip begins at 1:36:30) Pat Finucane review: Woodward calls Cameron meeting ‘crass and cruel’ (BBC) Finucane family set the record straight (14th October, 2011) (YouTube)

Pat Finucane’s Family set the record straight Friday 14th Oct 2011

Amnesty International Statement on Downing Street Finucane Debacle

An Excellent Statement from Amnesty International Tonight http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=19748 thedetail.tv: Finucane decision will leave doubts and concerns over case: Cory

Statement from Clara Reilly following meeting between Finucane family and British prime minister

Statement from Relatives for Justice Chairperson Clara Reilly following today’s meeting between the Finucane family and the British prime minister David Cameron ‘I knew Pat Finucane personally and over many years worked closely with him in supporting families who experienced bereavement and injury during the conflict. ‘Pat was a man of great integrity and believed passionately [...]

Geraldine Finucane’s anger shared

Clara Reilly’s statement on the Downing Street Debacle this lunchtime outlines the necessary steps that must be taken by the Irish Government to hold their British counterparts to account on their disgraceful treatment of the family of Pat Finucane. It is measured and sensible in approach. It cannot convey the deep hurt and anger that [...]

Sadness at passing of Peter John Caraher

It is with great sadness that RFJ have learned of the death of Peter John Caraher this morning. The Caraher family were involved in the foundation of Relatives for Justice 20 years ago, as a result of the killing of Fergal and the wounding of Míceál by the British army in 1990. Joanne served on [...]

“Dealing with the Past” is ignoring our present

On the eve of British Prime Minister David Cameron’s discussions with the family of murdered human rights lawyer Pat Finucane it is worth looking at the current landscape for victims of the conflict. On Saturday night RFJ Chairperson Clara Reilly was honored with the Sean McBride Human Rights Award in Philadephia. Full recognition was given [...]

Congressman Chris Smith statement

Read the statement from Congressman Chris Smith.

Securing the peace

Read the speech made by Clara Reilly made after accepting the Sean MacBride award from the AOH at the National President’s Dinner in Philadelphia. Congressman Chris Smith, who attended as the main speaker also sent a letter in recognition of Clara’s work.

Finucane family to meet British Prime Minister

Members of the Finucane family are due to meet the British Prime Minister David Cameron and NI Secretary of State Owen Paterson at No.10 Downing Street on Tuesday, 11 October 2011, to discuss the Government’s position on an inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane in Belfast in 1989.  Speaking ahead of the meeting, Geraldine [...]

RFJ USA – a new beginning for sustainable support

Relatives for Justice have had many visitors to its offices and projects down the years. They often come and offer support and assistance – motivated by hearing the experiences of the member sof Relatives for Justice. Every year RFJ receives donations from some of those, who have become firm friends. This support has meant that [...]

Jesse Jackson to launch RFJ in US as victims’ voices are heard

THE Reverend Jesse Jackson is to open a new chapter in the history of victims’ champion Relatives for Justice after the group was cleared to work and raise funds in the United States. The official launch of RFJ US takes place in New York on September 22 at the Prince George Ballroom near Madison Square Garden. [...]

Ford Must Act on Ombudsman Report

PRESS RELEASE… PRESS RELEASE… PRESS RELEASE… Mark Thompson, Director of Relatives for Justice, has released the following statement today: “I have this morning read the report by Barry McCaffrey on http://www.thedetail.tv/issues/22/cji-report-into-ombudsman/ombudsman-loses-staff-trust-over-withheld-intelligence “As the Director of an organisation which provides support to victims of the conflict from across the community, affected by all actors, including those [...]

Plastic Bullets are NEVER a Solution

Press Release Statement by Clara Reilly, Chairperson Relatives for Justice and United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets: The debate following the serious disorder in London and other cities in England this week has including a debate of possible weaponry could be employed by police. The calls for the deployment of water cannon and plastic bullets have [...]

Féile an Phobail Opening Parade with RFJ Youth Group

RFJ’s Youth Group turned out this afternoon dressed up to the nines (well as clowns) and lo and behold UTV Live feature our gang very prominently onthe news – not least our Aine (dressed as a clown too…) behind Mayor Niall O Donnghaile as he is being interviewed. http://www.u.tv/News/West-Belfast-parties-at-the-F%C3%A9ile/5f6b9ba8-ba31-4e10-b555-e665ece5c28f Between that and the launch of [...]

RFJ welcomes prestigious visitors from US

Pat and Liam Quinn, the brothers of Frank Quinn killed in Ballymurphy Massacre, Seamus Finucane the brother of murdered human right lawyer Pat Finucane, Jim McCabe the widower of Norah McCabe, killed by an RUC plastic bullet and RFJ Director Mark Thompson and Chairperson Clara Reilly meet with Senator Hancock and Mayor Bates this afternoon [...]

RFJ Youth Group to unveil new Plastic Bullet Mural

This Wednesday the annual plastic bullet vigil will take place at 6pm at the site of the former Andersonstown Barracks. This event remembers those killed by plastic bullets and those injured who, with their carers, live with the effects of life diminishing injuries. It is also a space to renew the call for a ban [...]

Plastic Bullets Not the Solution

Speaking today after the UVF attack on nationalists and the firing of plastic bullets by the PSNI in East Belfast last night Chairperson of Relatives for Justice Clara Reilly said: “I believe that there is a degree of shock in our entire community today after the events in East Belfast last night. “A sustained sectarian [...]

CAJ report on PONI

http://www.u.tv/News/NIO-interfered-in-Ombudsman-role/e48c472d-171e-492d-94b2-afcb45dc8f2e Link to Tonight’s UTV Live Report on CAJ Report on PONI – more on this later

UDR Memorial in Lisburn

Statement from Mark Thompson, Director of Relatives for Justice concerning the UDR statue unveiled today in Lisburn ‘The role of the UDR in the conflict has alway been clouded in controversy not least that regiment’s direct links to loyalism. Hundreds of its members have been involved in loyalist activity including murder and many nationalists rightly [...]

New Friendships on long road to justice

Today the families affected by the Loughinisland Massacre in County Down with RFJ met the families affected by Bloody Sunday in Derry. They shared stories of the long and difficult personal journeys to justice which they have all been forced to walk and offered each other on going solidarity and friendship. The picture above shows [...]

Solidarity and Courage in Derry

For some families violently bereaved during our conflict the overwhelming isolation which came after an event became one of the most difficult issues to live with. For some families it was an isolation because of the actual experience, for others it was the geographic isolation. For many it was a combination of both. One of [...]

Conflicting and Disturbing Evidence at Smithwick Hearing

The Smithwick Tribunal, the inquiry set up by the Irish government into the killing of two RUC officers in South Armagh in 1989 by the IRA on their way back from a meeting with the Garda in Dundalk, heard today from a former RUC Assistant Constable, giving evidence from behind a screen, that the two [...]

Images from Slane Family Press Conference 9th June 2011

Teresa Slane calls on Cameron to cooperate fully with Inquest

Speaking at this mornings press conference announcing that Attorney General has order a new inquest into the 1988 murder of Gerard Slane, Teresa Slane Gerard’s  widow accompanied by two of her  her children, Gerard Jnr and Catriona, and Gerard’s brother and sisters has called on British Prime Minster David Cameron to cooperate fully with the inquest; In [...]

Slane Family Statement issued today

The Attorney General (AG) has ordered a fresh inquest into the 1988 murder of Gerard Slane. The development has come after lawyers acting for the family, Kevin R Winters & Co, made submissions to the AG several months ago. The loyalist terror group the UDA/UFF murdered Gerard Slane, father of three, in 1988 at his [...]

Attorney General orders new inquest into murder of Gerard Slane

Brian Nelson and Force Research Unit played key role in the murder The SLANE FAMILY, KEVIN WINTERS & CO, & RELATIVES FOR JUSTICE (RFJ) WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS MORNING 11AM @ CAJ OFFICES QUEEN ST BELFAST The Attorney General (AG) has ordered a fresh inquest into the 1988 murder of Gerard Slane. The [...]

Civil case by injured man exposing BA

In the second day of the civil case being brought by a man injured by the British army in Coalisland in 1992 when four other men were killed, a British army eye witness has been cross examined over apparent inconsistencies. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13700169 The families of Kevin Barry O’Donnell, Peter Clancy, Patrick Vincent and Seán O’Farrell who [...]

Time to deal with our past

Today’s statement by Gerry Adams and information on how former members of the IRA participated in the Smithwick Inquiry are very important. Everyone should read it carefully http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/20825. During the consultation on how we deal with the past or the “Eames Bradley” consultation Relatives for Justice suggested an independent process that held private hearings so [...]

Death of Sally McErlean

Press Release on the death of RFJ member Sally McErlean mother of Thomas McErlean killed by Michael Stone in Miltown Cemetery attack March 16th 1988 Speaking on news of Sally’s death RFJ Director Mark Thompson said; ‘Sally McErlean was a valued member of Relatives for Justice and for many years we supported her in her [...]

State sidestepped collusion

During the conflict the pattern of state murder was to ensure that the State’s story was the first story and therefore the story that would be remembered. Getting their story in first was the policy of the day. Disinformation, excuse and cover up accompanied state killings as a matter of course. Young girls shot dead [...]

Rosemary Nelson Report must be read in full and lessons learned

Today’s final report on the murder of human rights solicitor Rosemary Nelson must be read carefully and diligently by all with an interest in human rights. It is extremely unfortunate that so many reports – including the BBC – are carrying the banner headline No Collusion. What is immediately evident with even a cursory glance [...]

Supreme Court Victory

Relatives for Justice welcomes the decision in London’s Supreme Court today on the cases of Martin McCaughey and Dessie Grew – below is the statment from the Families’ solicitors Madden and Finucane Solicitors Supreme Court Victory for Families of State Killings 18 May 2011 – The Families of Martin McCaughey and Dessie Grew, killed by [...]

Welcome Support from US friends

All those interested in President Obama’s visit to Ireland and those interested in the strength of the peace process here will be interested in these words from the US President of the AOH. RFJ sure welcomes this intervention and hopes that there will be movement on it. When he was here Human Rights Stalwart Jesse [...]

New Assembly Term Must Deliver to Victims of the Conflict

Last week’s elections have been decided. They have been analysed, dissected and reflected upon. Now the challenges that have perhaps been put on the long finger must be addressed. For Relatives for Justice and our members these challenges include how victims of the conflict’s needs will be supported in the long term. These are not [...]

Press Release…. Press Release…. Press Release…. Press Release…. PSNI “Equipment” Goes South Reports that the PSNI will lend An Garda Síochána “equipment” for the upcoming visit by Elizabeth Windsor to the South of Ireland will raise concerns for human rights during that period. Speaking in advance Relatives for Justice Chairperson Clara Reilly has said: “PSNI [...]

PSNI Equipment going South

Reports that the PSNI will lend An Garda Síochána “equipment” for the upcoming visit by Elizabeth Windsor to the South of Ireland will raise concerns for human rights during that period. PSNI equipment currently includes plastic bullets which are used by the PSNI in crowd control situations. This is of course against the rules dictating [...]

PONI appointment does not address concerns

Today’s announcement of the appointment of Tony McCusker to carry out the Dept of Justice investigation into the concerns raised by Sam Pollock’s resignation from the Police Ombudsman’s office last week, will not have reassured those who are concerned. The issues of compromise of independence and interference from the Dept of Justice and civil servants [...]

Ombudsman Crisis – Independence critical

 The resignation of Sam Pollock from the Office of the Police Ombudsman raises significant and serious concerns. The independence and rigour of oversight of the new Police Service is a critical issue. It is an issue of government and political party agreement on new policing arrangements. It is an issue of compliance with Article [...]

Jesse Jackson | BBC & RTÉ

Click here to listen to a clip from the BBC Radio programme, which was broadcast on Sunday 20th March. The show featured Jesse Jackson, Clara Reilly, Alan McBride, Raymond McCord and Mark Thompson speaking about Jesse Jackson’s visit to Belfast and Relatives for Justice’s Remembering Quilt. The interview clip begins approximately 34:30 minutes into the [...]

Equality for all victims

Speaking in relation to the DUP intention for a Bill before the Assembly seeking to change the definition of a victim Relatives for Justice Chairperson Clara Reilly said; ‘There needs to be equality for all victims of the conflict. The DUP are yet again seeking to manipulate people’s trauma and play politics with victims and [...]

Ford asked; ‘Will RUC Reservist involved in Loughinisland murders benefit from twenty-million pound handout?’

Relatives for Justice Director, Mark Thompson, has today written to the Justice Minister David Ford MLA seeking clarity as to whether or not the former RUC Reservist at the centre of the Police Ombudsman’s report into the Loughinisland murders which claimed the lives of six people is eligible to benefit from the twenty-million pound handout [...]

Wikileaks communications underline need for inquiry

The publication of the Wikileaks communications underlines the need for a transparent independent inquiry into the murder of human rights lawyer Pat Finucane. The fact that the British Government want to control the flow of information concerning one of the most controversial killings of the conflict demonstrates the level of direct involvement at the highest [...]

Everybody has a story to tell

“Everybody has a story to tell. We want all the stories told and we want them told to the world…” These words formed part of the opening statement by Monsignor Raymond Murray at the very first meeting or Relatives for Justice on Saturday April 20th 1991. Twenty years later Relatives for Justice still represents families [...]

High Court Supports Shoot to Kill Families Right to Truth

27th May 2010 PRESS RELEASE High Court Supports Shoot to Kill Families Right to Truth Statement issued by Relatives for Justice on behalf of the families affected by the RUC’s shoot to kill policy. Speaking on behalf of the families Tommy Carroll, brother of Roddy Carroll said: “We families welcome today’s strong judgement by Justice [...]

Judicial Review of the killing of Nora McCabe

Tuesday 27th April 2010 Judicial Review of killing of Nora McCabe exposes lies and DPP failure to prosecute senior officers for perjury Speaking after this morning’s judgement by the Belfast High Court Jim McCabe, the husband of Nora McCabe killed by a plastic bullet fired by an RUC patrol July 9th 1981, said; ‘The official [...]

Up-date reports from Coroners Court Belfast

Thursday 17th September 2009 Preliminary inquest hearings into the murder of 76 year-old Roseanne Mallon, murdered by the UVF in an attack on her home on the outskirts of Dungannon Co Tyrone in May 1994 and which also left Mrs. Bridget Mallon wounded, and the death of US citizen John Hemsworth who died several months [...]

RFJ Statement re PSNI harassment of Martin Mallon

Relatives for Justice statement concerning the PSNI harassment of one of our Board of Directors Mr. Martin Mallon from County Tyrone. Thursday August 20th 2009 Yesterday one of our members Mr. Martin Mallon, who also sits on our organisations Board of Directors, was stopped while traveling towards the Ballygalwley roundabout by the PSNI and had [...]

RFJ statement concerning the PSNI harassment

Relatives for Justice statement concerning the PSNI harassment of one of our Board of Directors Mr. Martin Mallon from County Tyrone Thursday August 20th 2009 Yesterday one of our members Mr. Martin Mallon, who also sits on our organisations Board of Directors, was stopped while traveling towards the Ballygalwley roundabout by the PSNI and had [...]

Press Release by Mark Thompson 20/02/2009

Statement from Mark Thompson Director of Relatives for Justice concerning today’s suspended sentences to PSNI civilian worker and Randalstown loyalist Aaron Hill and his associate Randalstown UVF member Darren ‘Bubbles’ Richardson. Richardson was arrested in April 2007 at his workplace Wright Bus Ballymena whilst in possession of a quantity of ammunition and 117 personal details [...]

Letter to ATN

Letter to the Andersonstown News Paper regarding the Editorial about the suggesting that it would be wrong to counter-protest against the MoD march through Belfast City Centre – letter was published in the edition of the paper on Thursday 30th October 2008. Editor Letters Page ATN A Chara – Last Thursday’s editorial reflects the mature, [...]

IAUC Welcomes Statement from Obama

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IAUC WELCOMES STATEMENT FROM OBAMA; REFLECTS ON 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE AND THE ROAD AHEAD Contact: Kate McCabe, National President, 734.657.2436 October 13, 2008—The IAUC welcomes Senator Obama’s responses to the joint IAUC/AOH/LAOH questionnaire on Irish issues.  The questionnaire, which was submitted to both Presidential candidates, was truly a collaborative effort and the [...]

Set Hugh Orde Free

Responding to Hugh Orde’s interview with Liam Clarke in this week’s Sunday Times (06/04/08) Deputy Director of Relatives for Justice Andrée Murphy released the following statement “The article makes very interesting reading for many reasons. In particular the large part of the article pertaining to his force’s responsibility for dealing with the past. “There were [...]

Death of Emma Groves

2nd April 2007 Death of Emma Groves It is with great sadness that the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets, and Relatives for Justice, have learned of the death of our friend and founder member Emma Groves following a brief illness. Emma Groves, the mother of 11 children, was struck by a rubber bullet in the [...]

Appointment of Victims Commissioner

09th November 2006 Appointment of Victims Commissioner “Unlawful and Discriminate” Speaking today following the judgment by Mr Justice Girvan on the challenge by Mrs Brenda Downes to the appointment of Mrs Bertha McDougall to the post of Victims Commissioner Mrs Brenda Downes said: “Justice has prevailed. The appointment was a clear violation of Section 76. [...]

Disgust at RIR pay-off – repugnant and offensive

09th March 2006 Disgust at RIR pay-off – repugnant and offensive Relatives of people killed and injured by the British army have reacted with anger at today’s announcements by British Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram, regarding the severance packages being offered to members of the UDR/RIR. Speaking on behalf of Relatives for Justice, a support [...]

The ‘Godfathers’ of loyalism

04th March 2006 The ‘Godfathers’ of loyalism The ‘Godfathers’ of loyalism are the Special Branch and Military Intelligence This past week has witnessed revelations relating to state agents that in any other society would have surely toppled police chiefs, ministers and possibly governments. It is now without question that RUC/PSNI Special Branch was running and [...]

New revelations by senior PSNI officers

02nd March 2006 New revelations emerged on Friday in relation to the murders of two teenagers, David McIlwaine and Andrew Robb, on February 19th 2000 in Tandragee by a number of known UVF members. The revelations centre on the initial police investigation into the double murder whereby senior-investigating officers at the time consistently told the [...]

Agent White Exposed, British Dirty Tricks Exposed

04th February 2006 Agent White Exposed, British Dirty Tricks Exposed Speaking on revelations that convicted loyalist murderer and UDA/UFF leader John White is a paid Special Branch agent Relatives for Justice have called for an independent inquiry into the murderous activities of RUC/PSNI Special Branch agents. We pose the question – just how many lives [...]

Campaign Welcomes IRA Statement

29th July 2005 The much welcomed statement from the IRA outlining its future will raise many questions for the other actors to the conflict and the potential role they must play to ensure a lasting peace settlement. While there is no doubt the IRA has/d significant armoury at its disposal the British government has many [...]

Response to PSNI

28th April 2005 The family of Neil Mc Conville, shot dead by the PSNI on April 29th 2003, will visit the Policing Board Headquarters in Belfast on Friday 29th April at 11.00am to hand in a report on the killing for all its 19 members. In a statement prior to Friday the family Neil Mc [...]

Albert Reynolds to join victims of British State violence

April 15th 2005 Former Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds, will attend a press conference with Relatives for Justice at the Europa Hotel Belfast on Monday 18th April at 11:00am to publicly launch a conference programme on State Violence – State the Truth by Relatives for Justice to be held on Saturday April 30th. Speaking in advance of [...]

Relatives for Justice respond to Paul Murphy

1st March 2005 Mark Thompson, Director of Relatives for Justice, said: ‘Today’s announcement by Paul Murphy regarding an appointment of a ‘Victims’ Commissioner’ is a matter of policy and therefore comes under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act. ‘Paul Murphy has a Statutory Duty to consult with all those affected and on whose behalf [...]

Call on British Government

1st December 2004 Relatives for Justice Chairperson, and founder of the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets, Clara Reilly has called on the British government to ‘go the extra mile’ and ban the use of plastic bullets. The call follows comments made by PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde who today signaled that the PSNI would not [...]

ASBO Order against NIO minister

2nd September 2004 A symbolic Anti Social Behaviour Order is to issued tomorrow (Friday) against NIO Minister John Spellar MP to mark the 12th anniversary of the murder of N. Belfast teenager Peter Mc Bride. The actual anniversary is on Saturday but protesters will gather on Friday at the Duncairn Avenue entrance to Girdwood British [...]

Address by Clara Reilly : Belfast Waterfront Hall

Press Release – Friday 14th May 2004 Belfast Waterfront Hall Children and Young Persons Rights and Advocacy in Times of Conflict and Transition Address by Clara Reilly Chairperson of Relatives for Justice and founder member of the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets. Rubber and plastic bullets were first introduced into the North of Ireland in [...]

IMC Report

Press Release 23/04/2004 Responding to the contents of the IMC Report Mark Thompson said: “RFJ have noted that the full cooperation of the PSNI and the British intelligence community in providing the documentation that in essence is the IMC report. This full cooperation comes at a time when numerous families from across the community affected [...]

Coroner accepts

Press release: 16th March 2004 Coroner accepts ‘systemic’ flaws in inquests system citing need for public inquiry. Speaking immediately after today’s preliminary hearing into the killings of 10 people in Co. Tyrone over a decade ago Relatives for Justice spokesperson, and nephew of Roseanne Mallon, Martin Mallon said: ‘This is the 16th preliminary hearing that [...]

In response to Desmond Rea

Press release: February 18th 2004 Speaking in response to comments by Policing Board Chairperson Prof. Desmond Rea on dealing with our past Relatives for Justice Director Mark Thompson said: ‘We welcome Mr. Rea’s comments on the general debate around the need to collectively and comprehensively deal with our past that has been on-going now for [...]

RUC destroyed vital evidence in shoot-to-kill operation

RUC destroyed vital evidence in shoot-to-kill operation May 20th 2003 At a preliminary inquest hearing today in Dungannon into the killings of 4 men at Clonoe, 3 men at Coagh, both by the SAS, and 76 year-old pensioner Roseanne Mallon at Dungannon also by loyalists, a detective from PSNI told the court that vital documents [...]

Cautious welcome to plastic bullet story

United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets 235a Falls Road Belfast BT12 4PE 3rd April 2003 Press statement. Cautious welcome to plastic bullet story In response to a story, as yet unconfirmed, reported from BBC newsrooms today, Relatives for Justice has been made aware that the British Government are to phase out plastic bullets by the end [...]

On The Runs

Statement from RFJ Director Mark Thompson Thursday 27th February 2003 “On The Runs” Debate needs to be broadened ‘The current debate around particular actions during the conflict regarding those described as ‘on the runs’ (OTR’s) is in danger of creating a singular focus and thus inadvertently denying the experience of victims of other protagonists to [...]

Response to the Police Ombudsman

Attention Press Notification Tomorrow, Thursday 30th May 2002, at 11am, in the Relatives for Justice Office, 235a Falls Road, Belfast, The United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets will release their full written response to the Police Ombudsman’s report on the use of plastic bullets 2001/02. A number of eye witnesses and injured from the incidents mentioned [...]

British attempting to cover-up killings

British attempting to cover-up killings Press Release 18th November 2002 On Tuesday 19th of November 2002 another preliminary hearing into the scheduling of four inquests surrounding the killings of 4 men at Clonoe, 3 men at Coagh, both by the SAS, 2 men by loyalists in Moy and 76 year-old pensioner Roseanne Mallon at Dungannon [...]

An open letter to John Reid MP

An open letter to; Secretary of State Dr. John Reid MP October 2nd 2002 Dear John a chara, Since the introduction of the new plastic bullet, June 01, there has been growing concern at the indiscriminate use by both the PSNI and the British army of this lethal weapon resulting in numerous injuries. In addition [...]

Next Plastic Bullet fatality only a matter of time.

2nd September 2002 – Next Plastic Bullet fatality only a matter of time United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets Chairperson of the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets Clara Reilly today issued the following appeal: “Last Wednesday night – 28th August a number of young people were shot and injured with plastic bullets in the Short Strand [...]

British Government Apology Insufficient

17th July 02 – “British Government Apology Insufficient” Following yesterday’s statement by the IRA, Relatives For Justice has received several requests from the media regarding its position vis à vis an apology from the British government for its actions during the conflict. In light of this Relatives for Justice has released the following statement. Relatives [...]

Campaign welcomes legal action on Plastic Bullets

8th July 2002 Campaign welcomes legal action on Plastic Bullets The United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets today welcomed the legal action on plastic bullets today lodged in the High Court by Peter Montgomery. The legal action is being taken against the PSNI and the MoD who were responsible for perpetrating the attack and the Police [...]

Relatives fear opportunity for truth is being suppressed and squandered.

Relatives fear opportunity for truth is being suppressed and squandered. 25th June 2002 Director of Relatives for Justice Mark Thompson has released the following statement: “Deep concern has been expressed by the relatives of people killed as a result of the British policy of collusion in Ireland by two announcements made this week in relation [...]

RFJ provides information to US Envoy Richard Haass

Press Release – 17th January 2002 Statement from Mark Thompson, Director Relatives for Justice, following RFJ visit to the US Consulate to provide information to US Special Envoy, Richard Haass, to the North of Ireland. Mr. Haass met political leaders and the members of the new Policing Board during his visit in a current drive [...]

Police Use Plastic Bullets by Proxy

14th November 2001 Police Use Plastic Bullets by Proxy Clara Reilly, Chairperson of the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets said today: “The United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets noted with dismay the return of plastic bullets to the streets of North Belfast last weekend. We also noted that all plastic bullets fired were fired at nationalists [...]

Plastic bullet order act of defiance

Monday 12th November 2001 United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets 235a Falls Road, Belfast, BT12 4PE Tel: 028 90220100; Fax: 028 90220101; email: clara.reilly@relativesforjustice.com ‘Police Authority plastic bullet order act of defiance’ Statement from Clara Reilly Chairperson of the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets. Mrs Reilly said: ‘The United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets strongly condemns the [...]

Magennis Appointment

Thursday 26th July 2001 ‘Magennis appointment to Human Right Commission would be akin to appointing George Bush the head of Greenpeace.’ RFJ Spokesperson Mark Thompson said: ‘It is incredulous to believe that someone like Ken Magennis has been short-listed as a possible Commissioner on the Human Rights Commission. There has been no one more vocally [...]

UCAPB Press Release

Wed 8th July 2001 United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets 235a Falls Road, Belfast, BT12 4PE Tel: 028 90220100; Fax: 028 90220101; email: clara.reilly@relativesforjustice.com Call on all district councils to follow Derry’s example on plastic bullets Clara Reilly, chairperson of the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets today sent a message to all 26 district councils to [...]

Trimble remarks absolutely disgraceful!

Thursday, 5 July 2001 ‘Trimble remarks absolutely disgraceful!’ Relatives for Justice has called on the Ulster Unionist Party Leader, David Trimble, to immediately withdraw his deeply offensive comments following the brutal sectarian murder of Catholic youth, Ciaran Cummings. Mr. Cummings was gunned down yesterday morning while waiting for a lift to work in Co. Antrim. [...]

Bereaved and Injured to Launch Election Manifesto

Bereaved and Injured of Plastic Bullets to Launch Election Manifesto 15th May 2001 Tomorrow, 16th May 01 at 11.30am relatives of people killed and injured by plastic bullets will launch a manifesto for all political parties. This manifesto calls on political parties to support the calls for the ban on plastic bullets, particularly in light [...]

A Missed Opportunity

United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets 235a Falls Road Belfast BT12 4PE Tel: 028 90220100 Fax: 028 90220101 email: clara.reilly@relativesforjustice.com 2nd April 2001 “British Government Proposals a Missed Opportunity” Speaking following the British Secretary of State’s announcement yesterday that existing plastic bullets are not to be removed but replaced by a new alternative Clara Reilly, Chairperson [...]

both of whom were holding petrol bombs

Chief Superintendent Crutchley

Officer A referred to heavy petrol bomb and stone attacks at the junction of Leeson Street and described how the petrol bombs “rained round us”.  The edited video film does not show the impact of any petrol bombs whether against the vehicles or on the roadway. 

Officer C and Officer E

or lumps of bricks.

Irish Minister walks in Solidarity with Ballymurphy Massacre Families

This afternoon the families of 11 civilians shot dead by the British army in August 1971 walked through Ballymurphy with their MP Gerry Adams and Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Míceál Martin. The families explained how their loved ones were killed with impunity over the course of 2 days and showed the minister firsthand the [...]

Ballymurphy Massacre Families walk of solidarity

This afternoon the families of 11 civilians shot dead by the British army in August 1971 walked through Ballymurphy with their MP Gerry Adams and Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Míceál Martin. The families explained how their loved ones were killed with impunity over the course of 2 days and showed the minister firsthand the [...]

Coroner questions MoD and PSNI on Gagging Orders concerning Collusion Killing of

Coroner questions MoD and PSNI on Gagging Orders concerning Collusion Killing of 76 yr old pensioner  Yesterday evening the family of Roseanne Mallon sat at the 35th preliminary inquest hearing into the death of their 76yr old aunt in May 1994.   This attack, observed by undercover British soldiers, and carried out by a UVF [...]

It’s Not The Guns, It’s The Truth! – Stupid

In the media maelstrom of last week the UPRG press conference announcing UDA/UFF decommissioning was somewhat overshadowed by affairs unfolding at the swish family Robison household and the pending implications. Like all big set pieces of the jigsaw over the past decade the UDA/UFF banked on capitalizing on their announcement seeking to use the opportunity [...]

Hearing was landmark on the road to truth

The relevance and importance of the need for continued U.S. involvement so as to seek a just peace in the North of Ireland was evident at the recent congressional subcommittee hearing on British state sponsored violence and collusion chaired by Congressman Bill Delahunt. Entered into the congressional record was the testimony of two families who [...]

Statement By John Magee of Relatives for Justice

The following statement is issued by North Belfast Relatives for Justice Board member John Magee concerning recruitment advertisements in the north of the city   The placing of this advertisement bill board within this community is completely outrageous, totally insensitive and above all an affront to the many families in this area affected by atrocities [...]

Letter from Ballymurphy Massacre Campaign

Speaking after the PSNI’s Historical Enquiries Team (HET) made direct contact with a number of eye-witnesses to the killings of 11 unarmed civilians over three days during internment from August 9th – 11th 1971 by the British army’s Parachute Regiment the families spokesperson Briege Voyle, who’s mother Joan Connolly was one of those deliberately shot [...]

Truth needed about who armed the loyalists

‘It was subsequently reported in London’s Private Eye that Nelson’s role in traveling to South Africa and purchasing the weapons for loyalists had been approved by a member of the British Cabinet at the time.’ ‘Loyalists were re-armed in late 1987 when MI5′s Force Research Unit (FRU) dispatched their agent Brian Nelson with the proceeds [...]

More stalling tactics by the PSNI into Inquest of SAS killings of two IRA Vols

Yet more stalling tactics by the PSNI into Inquest of SAS killings of two IRA Volunteers Speaking after this morning’s preliminary inquest hearing into the British army’s SAS killings of Martin McCaughey and Dessie Grew, Peter McCaughey, Brother of Martin, issued the following statement through Relatives for Justice (RFJ); ‘The families have already taken the [...]

Norman Tebit comments BBC Politics Show

Responding to comments made by former Tory minister Norman Tebit on the BBC’s Politics Show in which he hoped that the darkest, nastiest corner of hell could be reserved in which pain could be administered to those responsible for the Brighton bomb rfj Chairperson Clara Reilly said: ‘Obviously Mr. Tebit is a deeply hurt individual [...]

Letter by one of RFJ

As a person affected by state violence in the north I take offence at the BBC’s compulsory poppy wearing policy/directive to its presenters. As do the overwhelming majority of nationalists and republicans within the north.   In a politically divided society, in which symbolism can often be at the heart of, the BBC has failed [...]

Opinion article for Belfast Media Group by RFJ Family Support Worker Mark Sykes

So there’s to be yet another concession to the DUP with twenty-million pounds for the part-time reserve of the PSNI, which is essentially the old RUC reserve, in the form of a ‘one off gratuity payment’. We have already had numerous initiatives benefiting the RUC such as the Patten Severance payments and eleven-million to the [...]

Libya and Collusion

As unionist calls for financial reparations from Libya goes into overdrive, the Director of Relatives for Justice is appealing to the families of nationalist and republican victims to keep their minds focused on uncovering the truth. Mark Thompson was speaking after a delegation of MPs from the North, including the DUP’s Nigel Dodds and Jeffrey [...]

1971 Massacre families speak out

Ballymurphy families forced to go public urging eye-witnesses to internment massacre to be ‘mindful not to undermine their efforts for independent investigation’ by engaging the PSNI’s Historical Enquiries Team (HET)   Speaking after the PSNI’s Historical Enquiries Team (HET) made direct contact with a number of eye-witnesses to the killings of 11 unarmed civilians over [...]

Statement By John Magee of Relatives for Justice

The following statement is issued by North Belfast Relatives for Justice Board member John Magee concerning recruitment advertisements in the north of the city   The placing of this advertisement bill board within this community is completely outrageous, totally insensitive and above all an affront to the many families in this area affected by atrocities [...]

Web of Deceit

Friday 24th July 2009 Web of deceit If the PSNI think that offering Mark Haddock up for some of the murders he was involved in is suffice to exonerate his Special Branch handlers or to defuse the campaign by families then they’re seriously mistaken. This issue, collusion, is a public interest matter of huge proportions. [...]

Deep Concern at Plastic Bullets Use in Ardoyne

Relatives for Justice wish to express its deep concern at the firing of numerous plastic bullets in North Belfast on Monday 13th July. We understand that the office of the Police Ombudsman is investigating the use of plastic bullets by the PSNI that night. Chairperson of Relatives for Justice Clara Reilly said today: “It is our [...]

Over 100 Relatives attend vigil at Belfast City Hall

Over 100 Relatives bereaved by the British army attend vigil at Belfast City Hall 24 hrs prior to City Hall flying British army flag.   Speaking at the vigil Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice said;   ‘It is important that we gather here today in a dignified way to remember our loved ones who [...]

Ballymurphy Massacre Families Brief US Congressional Delegation in Belfast

Ballymurphy Massacre Families Brief US Congressional Delegation in Belfast This Morning   Pat Quinn, the brother of Frank Quinn, and John Taggert, the son of Danny Taggert, two of the 11 people murdered by the British Parachute Regiment in Ballymurphy on August 9th 1971 during internment, this morning held a one hour meeting with several [...]

Translink’s British Army Ad’s Offensive

Translink are currently carrying large recruitment adverts on the exterior of their buses for the British army’s RAF. Relatives for Justice, which represents the injured and families bereaved by the British army have released the following statement.   Speaking on the Translink adverts on bus routes throughout republican and nationalist Belfast Relatives for Justice Director [...]

20 Years on – Tiananmen Square and State Violence

It is only right that the world remembers the student led Pro- Democracy Movement and the struggle for social and human rights in China two decades ago this week. It is particularly important and fitting that we also remember those killed at Tiananmen Square.   The Chinese regime was visibly brutal in its crushing of [...]

Loyalist Decommissioning

Decommissioning welcomed but emphasis now needs to be on truth and dealing with the legacy of the conflict   Speaking on news that the UVF have began a process of decommissioning Relatives for Justice Director Mark Thompson said:   ‘Obviously this is breaking news in which there is, as yet, very little detail of the [...]

Relatives to Meet with Mayor Long

Relatives of people killed by the British army will meet Belfast Mayor Naomi Long tomorrow, Thursday at 2,30pm Clarendon Dock temporary offices of the  Mayor. The meeting will discuss Belfast City Council’s intention to fly the British army flag as part of ‘armed forces day’ and to discuss how the experience of British State violence [...]

Victims of State Violence Meet Belfast Mayor

Following their meeting with Belfast Mayor Naomi Long the relatives for people killed by State forces have released the following statement through Relatives for Justice; Speaking after the meeting Relatives for Justice Chairperson Clara Reilly said: ”This was an important and constructive meeting which we very much welcome and whereby the Mayor listened fully to [...]

Digital Archive

Digital Archive Relatives for Justice have been fortunate to be in receipt of the valuable documentation of the Association for Legal Justice and the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets. This material has now been archived and digitally stored. This is with the primary purpose of allowing families affected by incidents mentioned in this documentation or [...]

Hain Fails in Bid to Overturn Unlawful Appointment In Court of Appeal

An appeal by the former Secretary of State Peter Hain MP to overturn a High Court ruling that the appointment of Bertha McDougall as an ‘Interim’ Victims Commissioner, that he made during his time as Secretary of State, was unlawful failed in Belfast’s Court of Appeal this morning.   In a ruling delivered by the [...]

Home Secretary decision on Hillsborough

Home Secretary decision on Hillsborough paves the way for collusion families – Responding to news that British Home Secretary Jaqui Smith MP has intervened to have secret files relating to the Hillsborough Disaster made public and available to the families of those bereaved Relatives for Justice Director Mark Thompson said: ‘RFJ have a long association [...]

Thirty years for teenage murders of David McIlwaine and Andrew Robb

Thirty years for teenage murders    A man has been jailed for at least 30 years for the murders of two teenagers in County Armagh nine years ago. 28-year-old Steven Leslie Brown, also known as Steven Revels, murdered teenagers David McIlwaine and Andrew Robb in February 2000. On Friday, the judge said they "ranked amongst [...]

Statement on Chief Constable’s decision to deploy Armed Forces

Relatives for Justice Families considering legal challenge to Chief Constable’s decision to deploy ‘special forces’   Speaking on news that the PSNI Chief Constable is to deploy ‘special forces’ Relatives for Justice Director Mark Thompson issued the following statement;   ‘The policy decision to deploy ‘special forces’ is a matter of policing policy and therefore, [...]

‘We want to know the truth’ – Interview with Martin Mallon

Interview with RFJ Board Memeber Martin Mallon By Chris Summers BBC News  Roseanne Mallon, a 76-year-old spinster, was one of more than 3,600 people killed during the Troubles. On Wednesday the Eames Bradley Report will include plans for dealing with the legacy of these deaths. You might expect a 76-year-old woman being shot dead as [...]

Ballymurphy Massacre Families to meet with SoS Shaun Woodward

Relatives of those killed by the British army and the RUC to meet with SoS Shaun Woodward MP at Hillsborough   The family of Pearse Jordan, unarmed IRA Volunteer killed by the RUC on November 25th 1992, and relatives of 11 civilians killed by the British Army’s Parachute Regiment during internment 1971 in Ballymurphy will [...]

RFJ’s Response to Shaun Woodward’s Statement

‘Woodward has capitulated to the backwoods men and political dinosaurs of unionism’ Speaking on today’s announcement by Shaun Woodward that the proposal of a one-off Recognition Payment to all the families of those bereaved as a result of the conflict is to be scrapped Relatives for Justice Chairperson Clara Reilly said; ‘Today’s decision by British [...]

Statement released by Relatives for Justice Director Mark Thompson

The following statement is released by Relatives for Justice Director Mark Thompson;   Focus of Eames/Bradley should be on the truth and not distractions In terms of the sensationalist focus by some media on families that may receive 12K, if these recommendations are indeed contained within the Eames/Bradley report, Relatives for Justice (RFJ) said that [...]

Martin McGuinness to join with McNally family to celebrate the life of Phelim

November 24th will mark the 20th anniversary of the murder of Phelim McNally who was shot dead by a loyalist death squad at his County Tyrone home on the Derrychrin Road just outside Ballinderry/Ardboe. This Sunday, 23rd November, the McNally family will hold a special open air Mass to remember and celebrate Phelim’s life, including [...]

British soldier bebo site ‘Kill all taigs’

The following statement has been made by Relatives for Justice concerning the content of Bebo websites belonging to serving British soldiers many of whom are returning, and have already returned, from Iraq and Afghanistan and who plan to march through Belfast this coming Sunday. Relatives of people killed by the British army, including people killed [...]

Article by Mark Thompson RFJ

In England there was a self imposed moratorium by the British army on home coming parades because of anti-war protests. In Ireland the British army is responsible for the use of lethal force, shoot-to-kill, the use of rubber and plastic bullets, collusion, internment and torture – all with official impunity. In Belfast we do not [...]

PSNI poppy

On Thursday morning October 24th PSNI members on foot patrol in West Belfast were sporting poppies from their police caps- Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice who also happened to see the patrol outside Manscoil Feirste and the West Club on the main Falls Road said; ‘The poppy is a political statement and therefore should [...]

Victims Legislation in Stormont

Speaking on news of the withdrawal of legislation on Victims and Survivors at the Assembly Relatives for Justice Director Mark Thompson said:  In terms of the present legislation enabling four commissioners some unionists have sought to use this as an opportunity to redefine Victims and Survivors to create a hierarchy of victims over this past [...]

Dismay at Introduction of Tasers

The Chairperson of Relatives for Justice Clara Reilly speaking today on hearing the news of the PSNI “pilot” deployment of Tasers. “This is a black day for human rights in our post-conflict society. “Tasers, which deliver 50,000 volts of electricity, are clearly definable as a weapon of torture which violate international human rights agreements to [...]

Victims Groups Unite to call for Truth Commission

Today the following statement was jointly released by RFJ, the Pat Finucane Centre, Justice for the Forgotten, Ardoyne Commemoration Project, An Fhírinne,and Firinne at a press conference in Parliament Buildings Stormont. PRESS STATEMENT ON TRUTH COMMISSION We the undersigned organisations representing victims of the conflict believe that current investigatory, prosecutorial and judicial arrangements offer no [...]

Call To Relatives to Attend Truth Conference

Relatives for Justice, the Pat Finucane Centre, Justice for the Forgotten, An Fhírinne and the Ardoyne Commemoration project are holding a conference on truth this Saturday 1st December in St Mary’s College Falls Road.This conference “A Victim Centred Truth Commission” will launch these organisations’ view of what now needs to happen to ensure that truth [...]

Cross-Community Concern at More RUC Payments

Victims Groups question Assembly decision to push ahead for RUC Reserve payments The Shankill Stress &Trauma Group and Relatives for Justice, organisations working with and supporting people bereaved and injured during the conflict, have released the following statement on behalf  of people they support in response to yesterday’s Assembly decision to go it alone with [...]

Concerns about Victims Panel

Statement from Relatives for Justice concerning the announcement of a panel to consult on dealing with the past Director of Relatives for Justice Mark Thompson said: ‘Notwithstanding our respect for, and the individual integrity of, each panel member but the fact is that there is no one on the panel with any experience of human [...]

RFJ in Washington

A cross-community delegation of families are currently in Washington DC lobbying for US Government intervention on the policy of collusion and seeking a congressional fact-finding mission to Ireland. Mark Thompson, Clara Reilly, Raymond McCord snr, Paul McIlwaine, Theresa Slane, and Pauline Davey are bringing a message from hundreds of families affected by state and state sponsored [...]

INTV interview re Mrs McDougall’s Report

Listen to Relatives for Justice Director Mark Thompson speaking in response to the publication of the report by Mrs McDougall regarding future services for victims and survivors in the North of Ireland http://www.in.tv/view_video.php?viewkey=75e45bba028a21ed3804

Plastic and Rubber Bullet families respond to statement by Hugh Orde

Plastic Bullet Families’ Respond to Orde Statement  Clara Reilly, chairperson of Relatives for Justice and the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets has, on behalf of families, said this evening:  “Tonight’s latest statement of acknowledgement by the Chief Constable that plastic and rubber bullets did take innocent lives, including those of 9 children, is a very [...]

European Court of Human Rights Ruling

European Court Judgment Exposes British Policy of Systematic Cover-up about Human Rights Abuses in Ireland by the RUC and British Army Mark Thompson of RFJ said: 'On Tuesday 4th April 2000 the European Court of Human Rights heard from lawyers acting for the families of Gervaise McKerr, Pearse Jordan, killed by the RUC, Patrick Shanaghan [...]

New Plastic Bullets

PRESS RELEASE – 25th April 2001 Taoiseach's condemnation of new "more lethal" plastic bullets welcomed by victims. Clara Reilly, chairperson of the Campaign Against Plastic Bullets has welcomed the statement on plastic bullets by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. He said: "The Government have grave reservations about the proposed introduction of a new form of plastic [...]

The Cost of a Living

The cost of a living – 01/03/01 Continuing our series in conjunction with Relatives For Justice, Anthony Neeson speaks to Jim Neeson about the service the West Belfast Taxi Association has provided over the past 30 years The story of the West Belfast Taxi Association is a story of men and women operating a unique [...]

RFJ to meet British Secretary of State

Relatives of victims of state violence to meet British Secretary of State A delegation from Relatives for Justice will today, Monday 23rd July 2001, hold its first ever meeting with a British Secretary of State. The RFJ delegation will meet John Reid at Castle Buildings today at 11am and will be available for comment prior [...]

Sense of Amnesia

There should not be a sense of amnesia about the actions of RUC and British army simply because they didn't serve prison sentences By Andree Murphy, full time voluntary worker with Relatives for Justice.  On Tuesday, 25th July the Independent ran an editorial on the subject of prison releases. As somebody who works with families [...]

The right to be educated

The rights of children to be educated is a fundamental human right guaranteed and enshrined in international law. It is the duty of state's and sovereign governments to ensure that this right is fully realised. The right to protest is also a human right. However, in the Holy Cross Primary School situation the right to [...]

USA Tragedy

Palestinians Grieve Over USA Tragedy With deep sorrow and profound grief we write this message to offer our heartfelt condolences to the mothers, fathers, children, friends and families of the thousands of innocent people who have been the victims of the terrorist attacks yesterday morning on the USA. We would like to reach out to [...]

Pearse Jordan Inquest

Press Release – 19th January 2002 Statement from Relatives for Justice spokesperson Mark Thompson on behalf of the family of Pearse Jordan. 'Today's decision on the Jordan Inquest fails to meet inquest requirements overall and is minimalist by not allowing juries to return verdicts that apportion culpability and guilt for killings. Yesterday's decision failed to [...]

Pat Finucane joint statement

Press Release – 5th February 2002 Joint statement from human rights NGOs on 13th anniversary of the killing of Pat Finucane – 12th February 1989 NO INQUIRY 13 YEARS LATER We, the undersigned international and national NGOs, deplore the UK Government's failure to initiate a public judicial inquiry into the full circumstances of the killing [...]

Roseanne Mallon

Statement from family of murdered pensioner Roseanne Mallon April 10th 2002 Following today's revelation in The Belfast Telegraph about the murder of Tyrone pensioner Roseanne Mallon and the injuring of Brigid Mallon in the same incident on May 8th 1994 the Mallon family have issued the following statement through Relatives for Justice. 'The evidence put [...]

Tribute to the McBride family

Press Release – 17 April 2002 'Relatives for Justice would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the McBride family for taking such a brave stand on behalf of Peter's memory and the moral victory they have achieved by highlighting the outrageous injustice done' Reacting to today's decision in the High Court rejecting [...]

Ombudsman

23rd May 2002 – Ombudsman’s report on plastic bullets merely perfunctory Speaking in advance of tomorrow's report by the Office of the Ombudsman into the use of plastic bullets spokesperson for the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets, Clara Reilly, said: 'Tomorrow the Ombudsman will publish a report into the use of plastic bullets by the [...]

Survivors respond to Police Ombudsman report

United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets 235a Falls Road Belfast BT12 4PE 28th May 2002 Survivors respond to Police Ombudsman report on Plastic Bullets Following the publication of the Police Ombudsman’s report in to 7 uses of plastic bullets over a 12 month period the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets has expressed its dismay. Clara Reilly [...]

Steven

Steven’s Report shows need for International Intervention on Collusion Relatives for Justice’s Mark Thompson’s comments regarding the media reports today on the soon to be published Steven’s report on collusion and the killing of Human Rights Lawyer Pat Finucane. This report confirms publicly what relatives of people killed as a result of collusion and Relatives [...]

Panorama highlights need for international intervention

Panorama Programme highlights need for international intervention on collusion Following a meeting with a number of relatives affected by the British Government’s policy of collusion this morning, Mark Thompson, Director of Relatives for Justice has released the following statement: “Aspects of tonight’s programme already in the public domain have once again confirmed the long-held view [...]

Relatives of victims of collusion point finger at chain of command.

Relatives of victims of collusion point finger at chain of command This morning, Monday 24th June over 200 relatives of victims of the British government’s death squads gathered in the Europa Hotel, Belfast. They delivered their verdict on the Panorama programmes, the final part of which was screened last night, and recent revelations regarding findings [...]

Inquests to open in Dungannon Monday 12 May 2003

Inquests to open in Dungannon Monday 12 May Press Notification Inquests into four separate incidents, two involving the SAS in pre-planned shoot-to-kill operations and two involving loyalists with strong evidence of collusion, are to open in Dungannon Court tomorrow morning 12/5/03 at 10.30am. All family members will be in attendance. Summary of incidents – In [...]

In response to the serialisation of loyalist killer Michael Stone’s book.

In response to the serialisation of loyalist killer Michael Stone's book. 23rd May 2003 Speaking in response to the recent serialisation of loyalist killer Michael Stone's book, and its early publication, some of the relatives directly bereaved by his actions have issued the following statement through Relatives for Justice. The fact that a multiple killer [...]

Widow demands to know if Nelson is Alive or Dead

Widow demands to know if Brian Nelson is Alive or Dead 3rd September 2003 The widow of Gerard Slane murdered by loyalists in September 1988 has demanded to know whether Brian Nelson– the paid British agent convicted of the conspiracy to murder her husband – is dead or alive. In April this year it was [...]

Relatives welcome Tyrone Coroner Decision

Relatives welcome Tyrone Coroner Decision 16th September 2003 Speaking on behalf of all of the families involved, Relatives for Justice spokesperson and sister of Pete Ryan, Ms Rosemary Ryan said: "The families welcome today's decision by the coroner Roger McLarnon to demand all documentation in relation to these killings be submitted to the court by [...]

PSNI and MoD in contempt of court

October 7th 2003 PSNI and MoD in contempt of court for failing to comply with Coroner’s ruling to provide material and video-tapes regarding SAS and loyalist killings The preliminary inquests into the killings of Tony Doris, Lawrence McNally, and Peter Ryan, on June 3rd 1991 by the SAS. The SAS killings of Kevin Barry O’Donnell, [...]

Plastic Bullets

10th December 2003 British Government must not renege on commitment to discontinue use of plastic bullets Speaking this evening on receiving a copy of the British Governments 'new' guidelines on the use of plastic bullets RFJ spokesperson Andree Murphy said: 'The British Government must not renege on a commitment given earlier this year during negotiations [...]

Tyrone Inquests

Families demand the right for full access to all documentation relating to collusion killings and SAS shoot-to-kill operations Speaking through Relatives for Justice immediately after this morning’s hearing at which it was announced that limited access to MoD and PSNI evidence would be made available, Christopher Mallon the nephew of Roseanne Mallon and spokesperson for [...]

House of Lords

Press release: February 2nd 2004 The House of Lords will today hear submissions from the legal team representing the family of Gervaise Mc Kerr on the retrospective nature of the May 01 European Court of Human Rights ruling that found the British Government in violation of Article 2 – the Right to Life. The ruling [...]

Trimble

Press release: February 2nd 2004 Editor – Letters page Speaking at a conference on international ‘terrorism’, Wednesday 28th January in Madrid, Mr. Trimble told the Associated Press news agency that ‘Human rights groups are complicit in murder’ As a person who has worked tirelessly promoting human rights, and as the Chairperson Relatives for Justice, I [...]

Jane Kennedy : London Conference

Press Release 04/02/2004 Jane Kennedy to use London Conference as back door for more plastic bullets Tomorrow the chairperson of Relatives for Justice, a support group for survivors of state and state sponsored violence, Clara Reilly and the group’ s Deputy Director Andree Murphy will be attending the International Law Enforcement Forum in Royal Society [...]

UN Petition on State Killings

Press release: February 11th 2004 Belfast Lord Mayor, international lawyers & Judges to support families launching petition to UN on state killings at Belfast City Hall Belfast Lord Mayor, Martin Morgan, international lawyer Ed Lynch, and New York Supreme Court Judge Patrick Henry are among a host of legal dignitaries and politicians that will join [...]

Plastic Bullets Claim Another Life

Press Release  – Plastic Bullets Claim Another Life Today with great sadness Clara Reilly, Chairperson of Relatives for Justice released the following statement in relation to the sudden death of Dominic Marron. "I first met Dominic in 1981. He was 14 years old and had been struck in the head with a plastic bullet by [...]

ASBO order against NIO minister to mark anniversary

Press release: 2nd September 2004 ASBO order against NIO minister to mark anniversary A symbolic Anti Social Behaviour Order is to issued tomorrow (Friday) against NIO Minister John Spellar MP to mark the 12th anniversary of the murder of N. Belfast teenager Peter Mc Bride. The actual anniversary is on Saturday but protesters will gather [...]

Call on British Government

Press release: 1st December 2004 Call on British Government ‘Go the extra mile ban plastic bullets’ Relatives for Justice Chairperson, and founder of the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets, Clara Reilly has called on the British government to ‘go the extra mile’ and ban the use of plastic bullets. The call follows comments made by [...]

Relatives for Justice respond to Paul Murphy

Press release: 1st March 2005 Relatives for Justice respond to Paul Murphy’s announcement of a ‘Victims’ Commissioner’ Mark Thompson, Director of Relatives for Justice, said: ‘Today’s announcement by Paul Murphy regarding an appointment of a ‘Victims’ Commissioner’ is a matter of policy and therefore comes under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act. ‘Paul Murphy [...]

Albert Reynolds to join victims of British State violence

Press release: April 15th 2005 Albert Reynolds to join victims of British State violence Former Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds, will attend a press conference with Relatives for Justice at the Europa Hotel Belfast on Monday 18th April at 11:00am to publicly launch a conference programme on State Violence – State the Truth by Relatives for Justice [...]

Response to PSNI

28th April 2005 Response to PSNI   The family of Neil Mc Conville, shot dead by the PSNI on April 29th 2003, will visit the Policing Board Headquarters in Belfast on Friday 29th April at 11.00am to hand in a report on the killing for all its 19 members. In a statement prior to Friday [...]

Campaign welcomes lRA statement

29th July 2005 Campaign welcomes lRA statement The much welcomed statement from the IRA outlining its future will raise many questions for the other actors to the conflict and the potential role they must play to ensure a lasting peace settlement. While there is no doubt the IRA has/d significant armoury at its disposal the [...]

Flanagan and other loyalist killings

In RFJ’s submission to The Patten Commission on Policing, we recall an incident that occurred during an investigation into threats against defence lawyers by the UN Special Rapporteur on The Independence of Judges and Lawyers Mr.Param Cumaraswamy in October 1997. This incident involved the then Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan and his Assistant Chief Constable and then [...]

Response to the Report by Bertha McDougall on services for Victims and Survivors

RESPONSE TO REPORT BY MRS McDOUGALL Speaking in relation to the report by Mrs Bertha McDougall regarding services for victims and survivors RFJ spokesperson Mark Sykes today made the following points:  A number of individuals had sight of the report last night. Mrs Brenda Downes was not furnished with a copy of the report when [...]

Gordon Brwon should follow Obama’s example

‘Mr. Brown needs to have the moral courage and conviction similar to that of the Obama presidency in terms of facing up to the truth and making that truth public no matter how difficult or embarrassing, instead of shielding the public in Ireland and Britain from it. We all deserve better.’    Following yesterday’s publication, [...]

The Sectarian Murder of Kevin McDaid

The sectarian murder of Catholic father of four Kevin McDaid in Coleraine this weekend must be unequivocally condemned by everyone. It was absolutely despicable to hear local DUP MLA Adrian McQuillan attempting to deflect culpability from this awful sectarian murder by suggesting on BBC Radio Ulster 25/5/09 that the erection of the Irish flag was [...]

Fergal Caraher’s Murderer guilty of human rights abuses in Canada

In the Irish 22 November 2007 News the front page story is about former British Army Marine Richard Elkington who served in South Armagh and was responsible for the murder of Fergal Caraher and the wounding of his brother Miceal Caraher on December 30th 1990. Elkington, now a serving policeman in Canada with the Greater [...]

Enquiries Report

The Editor Letters Page Irish News In response to today’s revelations about the Historical Enquiries Team RFJ’s position on the HET not to engage is vindicated by Dr. Lundy’s report. Our position is to seek a transparent, independent investigative process for families. The extent of the revelations contained within Dr. Lundy’s report are shocking and [...]

Statement by RFJ to Congressional Hearing on the killing of Raymond McCord

In 2007 Relatives for Justice (RFJ) and the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) jointly organized a cross-community delegation of Catholic and Protestant relatives to visit Washington DC briefing members of Congress on the widespread nature of collusion. Included in that original delegation were Raymond McCord senior, Paul McIlwaine, Teresa Slane, and Pauline Davey. Clara Reilly, [...]