Menu
20/10/2008
Troubles' Truth Commission May Sit For Five Years
A new Commission to examine incidents from the Troubles is being recommended by the group looking at ways of dealing with these past atrocities.
Working within a fixed five-year period, terrorists would be granted a form of immunity as part of a 'truth process', according to a draft report that has been circulated today.
Sources with a knowledge of the long-awaited document say it suggests a private "information" forum in which paramilitary killers would be encouraged to divulge what they know about murders. The evidence they provide would not be admissible in court.
However, the Bradley-Eames 'Consultative Group On The Past' (both men are pictured above) seems to be stopping short of proposing a full amnesty for terrorists.
Instead, these forums would take place only after investigators have advised that no conviction is likely in a case.
The suggested Commission would then ask the families of victims if they want to know details about what happened.
If the families agree, they would then call on those responsible - whether it was paramilitary organisations, the police or army - to come forward and provide details.
There would not be a general amnesty - but those who agree to meet the Commission would be given immunity for the information they provide, meaning it could not be used for prosecutions.
The group hopes to publish its report before Christmas.
(BMcC)
Working within a fixed five-year period, terrorists would be granted a form of immunity as part of a 'truth process', according to a draft report that has been circulated today.
Sources with a knowledge of the long-awaited document say it suggests a private "information" forum in which paramilitary killers would be encouraged to divulge what they know about murders. The evidence they provide would not be admissible in court.
However, the Bradley-Eames 'Consultative Group On The Past' (both men are pictured above) seems to be stopping short of proposing a full amnesty for terrorists.
Instead, these forums would take place only after investigators have advised that no conviction is likely in a case.
The suggested Commission would then ask the families of victims if they want to know details about what happened.
If the families agree, they would then call on those responsible - whether it was paramilitary organisations, the police or army - to come forward and provide details.
There would not be a general amnesty - but those who agree to meet the Commission would be given immunity for the information they provide, meaning it could not be used for prosecutions.
The group hopes to publish its report before Christmas.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 February 2024
Geothermal Energy Roadshow To Visit Towns Across NI
An interactive mobile discovery centre designed to help visitors 'unearth the heat beneath their feet' is set to visit towns across Northern Ireland as part of a geothermal energy information roadshow.
Geothermal Energy Roadshow To Visit Towns Across NI
An interactive mobile discovery centre designed to help visitors 'unearth the heat beneath their feet' is set to visit towns across Northern Ireland as part of a geothermal energy information roadshow.
07 February 2024
Appeal For Information Following Collision In Ballymoney
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a single vehicle road traffic collision in Ballymoney yesterday, Tuesday 6th February. At around 3.40pm, it was reported to police that a grey Citroen C3 had collided with a pole on the Drones Road.
Appeal For Information Following Collision In Ballymoney
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a single vehicle road traffic collision in Ballymoney yesterday, Tuesday 6th February. At around 3.40pm, it was reported to police that a grey Citroen C3 had collided with a pole on the Drones Road.
26 March 2024
Environmental Report Highlights 'Failure To Act'
A new environmental report highlights Northern Ireland's failure to act on protecting its environment, Alliance's Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said.
Environmental Report Highlights 'Failure To Act'
A new environmental report highlights Northern Ireland's failure to act on protecting its environment, Alliance's Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said.
21 March 2024
PSNI Welcomes CJINI Inspection Report
The PSNI has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) inspection report and said that it accepts all of the recommendations that relate to the Police Service.
PSNI Welcomes CJINI Inspection Report
The PSNI has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) inspection report and said that it accepts all of the recommendations that relate to the Police Service.
08 March 2024
Renewed Appeal For Information In West Belfast Murder Investigation
The PSNI's Major Investigation Team have renewed an appeal for information following the death of a man in west Belfast. A murder investigation was launched after a man was found seriously injured and unconscious in the Cupar Street area of the city on Wednesday evening, 6 March. The man passed away in hospital later that same night.
Renewed Appeal For Information In West Belfast Murder Investigation
The PSNI's Major Investigation Team have renewed an appeal for information following the death of a man in west Belfast. A murder investigation was launched after a man was found seriously injured and unconscious in the Cupar Street area of the city on Wednesday evening, 6 March. The man passed away in hospital later that same night.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
