The Killing of Mother of Six Unjustified -British Government To Continue Coverup

Today in Westminister the British Government pressed ahead with its legislation to end all judicial investigations into their past actions and deny their victims the right to access the courts.

At the same time, an inquest ruled that a soldier was unjustified in firing shots that killed a mother-of-six more than 50 years ago.

Kathleen Thompson was shot dead in the back garden of her home in Derry in 1971.

The British Government proposals, if enacted into law would end inquests and deny families truth and justice. They want to continue to cover up the deaths of Ms. Thompson and many others.

Sinn Féin First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has said the British government’s legacy bill is another ‘slap in the face to victims who have campaigned for decades for truth and justice.

In a letter to Brandon Lewis today, Michelle O’Neill said “Victims and families, all political parties, the Irish government, and the Human Rights Commission have highlighted major flaws with this legislation.

“The Legacy Bill is a clear breach of British government commitments in two international treaties, the Stormont House and New Decade New Approach agreements, and is a cause of significant concern.

“Progressing with this Bill speaks to a blatant disregard for victims, which will affect confidence in the rule of law and the administration of justice. Of that, I have no doubt.

“The British government should listen to the voices of victims and families and bin this flawed legislation now.

“They should implement the Stormont House Agreement, which was agreed by the two governments and the political parties, and which provided for a range of mechanisms to give victims access to truth and justice in a human rights complaint manner."