19/03/2015
'Hooded Man' Gerry McKerr Dies
One of the "hooded men" Gerry McKerr has died, aged 71.
Mr McKerr was one of 14 men who claimed they were tortured and held without trial in August 1971.
Their case against the government is being taken to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
International human rights lawyer Amal Clooney - the wife of Hollywood star George Clooney - is part of the legal team representing the “hooded men”.
A statement released by Jim McIlmurray, who is Case Coordinator for ‘The Hooded Men’, said: "I was with Gerry the moment we received the news the Irish government would request the European courts reopen the case of the Hooded Men.
"He was delighted and said "Justice, finally we will get justice".
"I will ensure that Gerry will receive justice. The case will continue in his honour. Our thoughts are with his wife Eileen and children at this sad time."
Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson said: "I was saddened to hear of the death of Gerry McKerr, one of the 14 'hooded men' tortured by the British army in 1971, and I send my condolences to his family and friends.
"The torment the 'hooded men' suffered last long after the torture itself had ended with victims experiencing long-term physical and psychological damage.
"Last year I brought representatives of the hooded men and victims of state collusion to Brussels to raise awareness of their cases.
"Sinn Féin has also been to the fore in supporting the hooded men in their ongoing case for justice at the European Court of Human Rights.
"This sad death highlights the need for this issue to be addressed as a matter of urgency so that the remaining 'hooded men' can get the justice they deserve."
(CD/MH)
Mr McKerr was one of 14 men who claimed they were tortured and held without trial in August 1971.
Their case against the government is being taken to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
International human rights lawyer Amal Clooney - the wife of Hollywood star George Clooney - is part of the legal team representing the “hooded men”.
A statement released by Jim McIlmurray, who is Case Coordinator for ‘The Hooded Men’, said: "I was with Gerry the moment we received the news the Irish government would request the European courts reopen the case of the Hooded Men.
"He was delighted and said "Justice, finally we will get justice".
"I will ensure that Gerry will receive justice. The case will continue in his honour. Our thoughts are with his wife Eileen and children at this sad time."
Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson said: "I was saddened to hear of the death of Gerry McKerr, one of the 14 'hooded men' tortured by the British army in 1971, and I send my condolences to his family and friends.
"The torment the 'hooded men' suffered last long after the torture itself had ended with victims experiencing long-term physical and psychological damage.
"Last year I brought representatives of the hooded men and victims of state collusion to Brussels to raise awareness of their cases.
"Sinn Féin has also been to the fore in supporting the hooded men in their ongoing case for justice at the European Court of Human Rights.
"This sad death highlights the need for this issue to be addressed as a matter of urgency so that the remaining 'hooded men' can get the justice they deserve."
(CD/MH)
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