Victims Denied Justice by British Government and Sinn Fein

Commenting on the Northern Ireland Offences Bill published this week, North Antrim MLA Seán Farren has said:

 “Sinn Fein negotiated the On The Run (OTR) legislation with the British Government in a side deal that did not involve the SDLP or other parties.  But it will bother victims of state planned murder. They have not been consulted about a word of this.

 “We have seen collusion in the past between the state and paramilitaries. Now we are seeing collusion on the past between Sinn Fein and the British Government – each helping the other to cover up their dirty secrets.

 “Not only does this legislation deny victims justice, it also will deny them truth.

 “That is because this legislation has no time limit on the OTR process. That means that people who have taken life will have no incentive to come forward and tell the truth about their crimes. Instead, they will be able to sit back, say nothing and wait to see if they are in danger of ever being charged - knowing full well that if they are, they will be able to apply to be an OTR - and avoid any danger of prison.

 “The SDLP has argued that the British Government should limit the OTR process to six months to a year. That way, those who have been responsible for the hundreds of unsolved loyalist, republican and state murders have some incentive to come forward and give their victims closure. The SDLP will be campaigning for this - and a better deal for victims in coming months.