Inquest into Birmingham pub bombings should be reopened
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Version 0 of 1. Your decision to publish an opinion piece by Chris Mullin (Birmingham bombings: police botched the case. But it shouldn’t be reopened, theguardian.com, 11 February) on the same day as the hearings to resume the inquests into the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings, and allow him to express his opinion that the inquests should not be reopened, was insensitive. J4the21 respect the right to free speech but would also counsel sensitivity in editorial policy when a legal process is in progress. There is a legal right for the relatives of the victims to make this request to resume the inquests into the murder of our loved ones and a senior coroner decided to hear arguments on that point. Chris Mullin is an individual who should have no influence over and above any other individual when it comes to a matter of legal process. Mr Mullin states: “I have not joined the campaign for the case to be reopened. The only effect of doing so is to raise expectations that cannot be fulfilled, which can only lead to further upset for the relatives of the victims.” We do not presume to act or speak for all the victims, our expectations are low, and our “upset” is already evident. But for the memory of those we lost, we have to believe in this process and that justice, truth and accountability will win out eventually, no matter what the view of Mr Mullin.Julie HambletonBirmingham • Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com |