Wednesday, November 02, 2005
OTR legislation could release hundreds from criminal prosecution
Chris Thorton examines the scope of the proposed legislation to allow ‘on the runs’ to come home without prosecution (thought to number some sixty persons). In addition there is thought to be potential for hundreds of others to escape serious investigation if a ten year rule is enacted: “Last week Mr Hain first suggested a link between the OTRs legislation and the PSNI’s historic cases review, saying it ‘could be that people facing historic crimes could take advantage of the OTRs process’.”
Mick Fealty @ 09:09 AM
“All I see at the present moment is the sdlp in an another anti-SF crusade”
“they are battling for their very existence and they are trying again to portray themselves as a greener than green Nationalist party in an attempt to outdo SF.”
All I see at the present moment is Dick Doggins clutching at straws and using contradictory arguments to undermine the SDLP at every turn.
You say “the sdlp`s agenda now is to be anti anything that smacks of SF!!!” (which presumably means they are anti-united Ireland) yet you also say they are trying to be greener than green. Make up your mind!
Could it be that the SDLP actually just believes in what it is saying? Note to Dick (how appropriate a name): the world doesn’t revolve around Spin Féin (much as they’d like it to).
Posted by on Nov 02, 2005 @ 03:21 PM‘dancing lesions’
Sounds painful. Not for me, I’m using far too much chafing powder as it is…
Posted by on Nov 02, 2005 @ 03:30 PMConcerned Loyalist
What about the innocent Protestant victims, butchered and murdered by the UVF?
What about their loved ones?
Posted by on Nov 02, 2005 @ 03:33 PMMost importantly however, it would be a slap in the face for the victims who were left behind when republicans decided the time was right to murder or maim their innocent loved ones.
Excellent point, concerned loyalist. I suggest that all of those released from prison a few years ago under the GFA should be sent back to jail. What do you think ? After all it’s the victims that count here.
Posted by on Nov 02, 2005 @ 03:52 PMEl Matador: “It’s about making sure that people don’t get away with killing people without facing justice. It’s a fairly basic democratic standard that those who kills is held to account.”
And we’ll have an open, honest and public airing of British involvement in the Finucane slaying when?? I mean, the UK being a democracy and all…
Posted by on Nov 02, 2005 @ 03:55 PMI think amnesties for OTRs are just another bitter pill that we all have to swallow, in the interests of the greater good.However, it will help the situation immensely if Sinn Fein and the broad republican family do not enage in triumphalism over the issue.
A heroes welcome for anyone will only pour salt into the wounds of people who have been bereaved.Sinn Fein have a chance to show that they are serious about making peace with their neighbours.I hope they grasp the opportunity.
Posted by on Nov 02, 2005 @ 05:43 PMIt is a pity we have been unable on this thread to get beyond the sectarian or political divide. I find it worrying that the legislation on OTR seems to be linked with cold cases or am I mistaken here. If not, would this not mean any investigation to State collusion, out of which conspiracy to murder charges could arise will now never reach court. As any current or former members of Army Intel, Special Branch or MI5 would if charged immediately claim an amnesty.
Is this the deal which has been done between SF and the Blair Government on OTR? or is it the British trying to pull a fast one. Basically the aforementioned is what happened in South Africa where former members of Boss were given amnesty if the admitted their guilt, [i.e. being involved in unlawful acts].
Mick
Posted by on Nov 02, 2005 @ 05:55 PMEl matador dosen’t agree with killing but calls himself “the killer” what a confused individual he is.
The dirty “war” is apparently over and hopefully the killing and the other evil deeds. But the conflict is not resolved and until is it no-one will give ground to the other; hence all the pointless slugging and moralising. Does it let off steam, blow the relief valve, get it off the chest perhaps - maybe, for the harmless folk, but not for the killers; they’re psychopaths and fanatics - microcephalics who have no conception of pragmatic accomodation, of balancing desires with realities. No Truth and Reconciliation Commission for them, until the conflict is finally resolved in favour of the victor; and then the cowards might run for amnesty to save their own hides. Until then they’ll be ready to do it again.
Bringing them to trial, apportioning blame won’t work in NI as it didn’t in Chile; they don’t need to justify their actions and seek forgiveness. Years later “los matadores” haven’t revealed their crimes here nor there. Rather let them slink off to their to their dark holes, imprisoned in their ruined lives and damned souls; we’re well rid of them and that’s enough for most decent folk.Posted by on Nov 02, 2005 @ 11:47 PM“The OTR’s are welcome in the South.”
Possibly the best argument against a united Ireland I’ve come across. After all, why should people in Northern Ireland unite with a state that gives sanctuary to those who murder and maim here?
Posted by on Nov 03, 2005 @ 06:13 AMConcerned Loyalist
quite agree but this goes way beyond victims and to what kind of society we want to live in
Posted by on Nov 03, 2005 @ 07:15 PM
