19/04/2016

PPS Asked To Review Decision Following Shooting Of IRA Man

The Attorney General has asked the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) to review the decision not to prosecute police officers following the shooting of an IRA man.

Mr Colum Marks was fatally shot on 10 April 1991 after an attempted mortar bomb attack on a police station in Downpatrick.

Sinn Féin MLA Chris Hazzard welcomed the decision.

Mr Hazzard said: "The RUC had prior intelligence of the IRA operation and could have put in place an arrest operation but instead summarily executed Colum while he was unarmed.

"I welcome the fact the Attorney General has referred the case back to the Public Prosecution Service with a view of bringing charges against those involved.

"The family of Colum Marks deserve justice just like every other victim of the conflict and I hope this decision today is a first step in getting to the truth of how Colum died."

(CD)

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