8 October 1998 Edition
Bloody Sunday witnesses sought
Witnesses to Bloody Sunday are being urged to come forward and give statements to the Bloody Sunday Enquiry now in sitting at Derry's Guildhall.
Although many have already come forward to the Bloody Sunday Justice Group and their solicitors to record eyewitness testimony, the Group is stressing the need for people to come forward to make statements at the Guildhall with the Enquirys official solicitors, Evershads. Relatives and solicitors from the Group are sitting daily at the Guildhall to monitor the official Enquiry and to ensure that witnesses have legal representation with them when they give their statements.
Campaigner Martin Finucane explained: People are being encouraged to go down to the Guildhall and make statements to Evershads even if they have already recorded statements with the Bloody Sunday Justice Group or with their own solicitor. However, we stress that people should not go down to the Guildhall unaccompanied. When making a statement, witnesses should have, and are entitled to, legal representation. To this end, the families and a rota of local solicitors are present at the Guildhall every day, monitoring the entire procedure, and also to help people arrange independent legal representation. We remind people that full legal costs for this will be met by the Enquiry. Bringing a solicitor with you costs nothing. In addition to providing legal advice, and providing people with security, this ensures no improper measures take place.
Although many have already come forward to the Bloody Sunday Justice Group and their solicitors to record eyewitness testimony, the Group is stressing the need for people to come forward to make statements at the Guildhall with the Enquirys official solicitors, Evershads. Relatives and solicitors from the Group are sitting daily at the Guildhall to monitor the official Enquiry and to ensure that witnesses have legal representation with them when they give their statements.
Campaigner Martin Finucane explained: People are being encouraged to go down to the Guildhall and make statements to Evershads even if they have already recorded statements with the Bloody Sunday Justice Group or with their own solicitor. However, we stress that people should not go down to the Guildhall unaccompanied. When making a statement, witnesses should have, and are entitled to, legal representation. To this end, the families and a rota of local solicitors are present at the Guildhall every day, monitoring the entire procedure, and also to help people arrange independent legal representation. We remind people that full legal costs for this will be met by the Enquiry. Bringing a solicitor with you costs nothing. In addition to providing legal advice, and providing people with security, this ensures no improper measures take place.