Pat Finucane's family launches legal action against British Government

Pat Finucane

THE FAMILY of Pat Finucane has announced it is to take legal action challenging the British Government’s refusal to hold a public inquiry into the assassination of the defence lawyer at his Belfast home in front of his family in 1989.

The killing is engulfed by widespread suspicion that British Government security services, the British Army or the RUC – or all three – and British ministers themselves were involved in the killing, which was claimed by the unionist Ulster Defence Association (UDA). The British Army and RUC Special Branch had agents operating at the top of the UDA, including those involved in targeting, planning and carrying out attacks.

A statement released on December 7^th by Madden & Finucane Solicitors on behalf of the family said:

On 11 October 2011, the Finucane family were informed by David Cameron at 10 Downing Street that he would not hold a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane. Instead, he ordered a review of the papers in the case and appointed Sir Desmond de Silva QC to carry out the review.

After considering their position and the various options, the family have decided to take legal action.

The family have instructed their solicitors, Madden & Finucane, to take a Judicial Review challenging the Cameron decision. The legal papers will be lodged in the High Court in Belfast next week when a date for hearing will be sought.

Geraldine Finucane, Pat’s widow, said:

Not for the first time, have we had to resort to legal proceedings to vindicate our legal rights. It is clear that the British Government have cynically reneged on the commitment made at Weston Park. The Cameron decision is also incompatible with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to life).

We take the view that the decision not to hold a public judicial inquiry is just another obstacle which we will have to overcome. We are determined to get to the truth surrounding my husband's murder. Our campaign will continue.