UK Government Announced Inquiry For Pat Finucane Murder 35 Years Later
The UK government announced inquiry for the murder of Pat Finucane 35 years later. In 1989, Finucane, then 39 years old, was shot at home.
In front of his three children and wife, Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane was shot fourteen times by loyalist paramilitaries. In February 1989, the incident took place in their north Belfast family home.
(Also read: Garda Search For Arlene Arkinson Resumed)
It was one of the most talked about killings of that time since it involved several allegations of collusion between the two sides. The killers and security forces were in a battle which is proven by previous examinations.
Geraldine, his widow, and their three children have been attempting for years to request the launch of a public investigation to ascertain the level of security force participation.
After the UK government announced inquiry, Finucane’s son John Finucane, also the Sinn Fein MP for north Belfast stated, “It was very much welcomed by our family”.
He explained that the campaign was led by their mother for decades so that the truth about their father’s murder must come out. He thanked every person who has launched a public inquiry for the matter, which is a great support for them now after 35 years.
The UK Supreme Court stated in 2019 that previous examinations of Pat Finucane’s death had not adhered to human rights standards. It was specifically noted that the court did acknowledge the widow’s request but with an “unequivocal undertaking” under the 2001 Weston Park Agreement, saying that a public inquiry would be launched for the murder.
Hilary Benn acclaimed that UK government announced inquiry for Finucane’s murder
Currently, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn announced that a public investigation will be set up. He confessed that a commitment from the British government that is due for the last three decades now needs fulfilment.
Mr Benn admitted the fact to the House of Commons, “This government takes its human rights obligations and responsibilities to victims and survivors of the Troubles extremely seriously”.
However, it’s sad to know that after making this commitment, first to the Irish government and then to the House of Commons, the fulfilment has not been witnessed for the last two decades.
As a result, he declared an independent investigation into Pat Finucane’s 1989 death under the 2005 Enquiries Act.
For further confirmation, Mr Benn met Geraldine, Finucane’s widow and their two children yesterday evening to list out the details of the inquiry and the British government’s intention to stick to what it promised. The gathering was also attended by additional family members and legal representatives.
Bertie Ahern, ex-Taoiseach, mentioned that for the conduction of a fair inquiry, it is necessary to have cooperation from MI5, the UK’s security service as its role would be critical in the entire process.
Mr Ahern told that intervention of MI5 would be “groundbreaking” as it would help get access to the records that would add meaning to the inquiry.
Furthermore, he declared that the Labour Government of the United Kingdom is “honouring prior commitments made” by former prime ministers Gordon Brown and Tony Blair.
He was of the view that it would not only be an inquiry but also a healing process for the Northern Ireland’s judiary system where justice was delayed for years. He remarked that it would broadly imply that resolving legacy issues related to the Troubles remains a significant part of the Northern Ireland government system.
The meeting between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Simon Harris demonstrated a strong support the Irish government has given to the decision. They both met in Dublin on Saturday to discuss the agenda before the UEFA Nations League game against England that day.
