You can’t libel the dead. But will the ‘RUC’ give it a go?

So far pretty much the only MSM coverage of the Public Inquiry into the murder of solicitor Rosemary Nelson has been based around recent unsubstantiated and unsupported claims from a former head of RUC Special Branch, the very same organisation whose suspicion of involvement in the murder has lead to the inquiry, of an affair between Nelson and Lurgan republican and current eirigi member Colin Duffy. The former senior RUC officer further claimed that while she was not a terrorist she had been assisting terrorists (is that a reference to her job as a defence solicitor?)

It remains to be seen if the Inquiry Panel will force those making these claims to stand over or support them. Until then we have an investigation being used to disseminate groundless tittle-tattle of dubious integrity from those suspected of direct involvement.

“ To inquire into the death of Rosemary Nelson with a view to determining whether any wrongful act or omission by or within the Royal Ulster Constabulary, Northern Ireland Office, Army or other state agency facilitated her death or obstructed the investigation of it, or whether attempts were made to do so; whether any such act or omission was intentional or negligent; whether the investigation of her death was carried out with due diligence; and to make recommendations.”

Update: Comments closed pending reiew by Mick.

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