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Collusion findings to be released Security 'links' to murder plots
(about 1 hour later)
An independent report into alleged collusion by members of the security forces in sectarian murders in the 1970s is set to be published. Members of the RUC and UDR colluded with loyalist paramilitaries in 74 murders in the 1970s, according to an international panel of legal experts.
The report was commissioned two years ago by the Pat Finucane Centre. It has been compiled by a panel of international legal experts. The four-strong team examined 76 killings between 1972 and 1977 and said there was evidence of collusion in all but two of the cases.
It said some senior officers knew of the crimes but "failed to act to prevent or punish" those responsible.
The panel urged the government to set up an independent investigation.
The report claimed that "credible evidence indicates that superiors of violent, extremist officers and agents, at least within the RUC, were aware of their sectarian crimes, yet failed to act to prevent, investigate or punish them".
The government told the panel it would be inappropriate to comment as the murders were already the subject of inquiries by a number of agencies.
These included the European Court of Human Rights, the Historical Enquiries Team, and the Police Ombudsman.
The panel was convened two years ago at the request of the Pat Finucane Centre.
Bombings
Copies of the report have been given to the British government and the Police Ombudsman's Office.Copies of the report have been given to the British government and the Police Ombudsman's Office.
The 108-page report examined 25 cases on both sides of the Irish border.The 108-page report examined 25 cases on both sides of the Irish border.
In the cases, it has been alleged there was collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and state agencies.
The Pat Finucane Centre said several of the 25 cases involved multiple deaths and 76 people died in the incidents examined.
The report will be launched in Belfast and Dublin on Monday.
The cases examined in the Republic of Ireland include the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, explosions in Dundalk and Castleblayney and the murder of John Francis Green.The cases examined in the Republic of Ireland include the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, explosions in Dundalk and Castleblayney and the murder of John Francis Green.
The independent panel who produced the report were Professor Douglass Cassel of Notre Dame Law School in the US, Susie Kemp, an international lawyer based in The Hague, Piers Pigou - an investigator for the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Stephen Sawyer of Northwestern University School of Law.The independent panel who produced the report were Professor Douglass Cassel of Notre Dame Law School in the US, Susie Kemp, an international lawyer based in The Hague, Piers Pigou - an investigator for the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Stephen Sawyer of Northwestern University School of Law.
Last year, the Irish government said it was to give Tony Blair a final chance to aid an inquiry into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.Last year, the Irish government said it was to give Tony Blair a final chance to aid an inquiry into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.
Irish premier Bertie Ahern said he may take a case to the European Court of Human Rights if Mr Blair did not hand over British government files on the 1974 bombings.Irish premier Bertie Ahern said he may take a case to the European Court of Human Rights if Mr Blair did not hand over British government files on the 1974 bombings.
The UVF was suspected of carrying out the attacks which killed 33 people. No-one was convicted of the bombings.The UVF was suspected of carrying out the attacks which killed 33 people. No-one was convicted of the bombings.