This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-29704847

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
PPS announces review of Maíria Cahill cases PPS announces review of Maíria Cahill cases
(35 minutes later)
Three cases linked to the alleged rape of Belfast woman Maíria Cahill are to be reviewed, the PPS has announced.Three cases linked to the alleged rape of Belfast woman Maíria Cahill are to be reviewed, the PPS has announced.
Ms Cahill said she was raped as a teenager and later interrogated by the IRA about her allegations.Ms Cahill said she was raped as a teenager and later interrogated by the IRA about her allegations.
She later went to the police, and a case was brought against the alleged rapist and those said to have been involved in the IRA inquiry.She later went to the police, and a case was brought against the alleged rapist and those said to have been involved in the IRA inquiry.
All charges were dropped and the accused rapist acquitted after Ms Cahill withdrew her evidence.All charges were dropped and the accused rapist acquitted after Ms Cahill withdrew her evidence.
The cases to be reviewed involve the trial of Padraic Wilson, Briege Wright, Seamus Finucane, and Agnes McCrory, who were accused of organising Provisional IRA meetings and separate proceedings against the alleged rapist, Martin Morris.The cases to be reviewed involve the trial of Padraic Wilson, Briege Wright, Seamus Finucane, and Agnes McCrory, who were accused of organising Provisional IRA meetings and separate proceedings against the alleged rapist, Martin Morris.
All of them had denied the charges.
Ms Cahill waived her right to anonymity to speak to BBC Northern Ireland's Spotlight programme, broadcast last week.Ms Cahill waived her right to anonymity to speak to BBC Northern Ireland's Spotlight programme, broadcast last week.
She claims republicans tried to cover up her allegations.
The Belfast woman is a member of one of the republican movement's best-known families.The Belfast woman is a member of one of the republican movement's best-known families.
Her great uncle, Joe Cahill, was one of the founders of the Provisional IRA and was a long-time associate of Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams.Her great uncle, Joe Cahill, was one of the founders of the Provisional IRA and was a long-time associate of Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams.
Announcing an independent review of the cases, Director of Public Prosecutions Barra McGrory, QC, said: "I have carefully considered the range of issues that have been raised following the recent edition of BBC NI's Spotlight programme 'A Woman Alone with the IRA'. Announcing the independent review of the cases, Director of Public Prosecutions Barra McGrory, QC, said: "I have carefully considered the range of issues that have been raised following the recent edition of BBC NI's Spotlight programme A Woman Alone with the IRA.
"While it would not be appropriate for the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) to enter into a media discussion about evidential aspects of these particular cases, I consider that an independent, external scrutiny of our processes and procedures is warranted.""While it would not be appropriate for the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) to enter into a media discussion about evidential aspects of these particular cases, I consider that an independent, external scrutiny of our processes and procedures is warranted."
He added: "I consider that there are particular challenges in prosecuting complex and interlinked cases, as in this instance, involving serious sexual abuse and terrorist related charges and involving multiple complainants and multiple defendants.He added: "I consider that there are particular challenges in prosecuting complex and interlinked cases, as in this instance, involving serious sexual abuse and terrorist related charges and involving multiple complainants and multiple defendants.
"This independent review will consider all aspects of the prosecution of these cases and if there are lessons to be learned, we will do so, openly and transparently.""This independent review will consider all aspects of the prosecution of these cases and if there are lessons to be learned, we will do so, openly and transparently."
Following Tuesday's PPS announcement, Ms Cahill tweeted: "I welcome PPS announcement today that they will independently review handling of my court cases. Disappointing that they didn't let me know."
The review will be conducted by an independent legal expert, who will be announced at a later date.The review will be conducted by an independent legal expert, who will be announced at a later date.
The PPS co-ordinator for the independent review will be its deputy director, Pamela Atchison.The PPS co-ordinator for the independent review will be its deputy director, Pamela Atchison.