10th June 2003

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Sinn Fein backs calls for UN to investigate Crown Force killings

Sinn Fein MPs Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness, Michelle Gildernew and Pat Doherty this morning attended a special press conference organised by Relatives for Justice for a number of families whose members were killed either directly or indirectly by the Crown Forces.     Speaking from Cookstown Mr. McGuinness said:

"I wish to commend these families for taking this initiative. However the fact that they have had to resort to the UN is an indictment of the current inquest system and on the policy of obstruction adopted by the PSNI.  As a result of this obstruction and the fact that it is now a decade since these killings, the families feel that the only way that the circumstances of the deaths of their loved ones can be investigated satisfactorily is through this sort of UN intervention.

"These families have invited the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Summary or Arbitary Executions to visit the north on a fact finding mission.  The inquests into the killings in Coagh, Clonoe and in the case of Roseanne Mallon are continuing to be obstructed by the PSNI refusing tohand over material requested by the lawyers.  The PSNI are continuing, along the RUC route, of concealment, cover-up and secrecy.  

"The attendance of Sinn Feins four MPs at this event is a signal of our strong support for the families in their fight for the truth."

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