Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes has welcomed a Court of Appeal ruling overturning historic convictions against Declan Murphy, now a Sinn Féin councillor, along with Declan John Moen and Conor Gilmore.
Reacting to the decision, Mr Hughes said:
“I welcome this ruling by the Court of Appeal, overturning the wrongful convictions of these three men, and I want to pay tribute to their persistence in clearing their names.
“The court found ‘reprehensible’ and deliberate RUC misconduct which was hid from view at the original trial.
“Diplock courts were a repressive measure imposed by the British government during the conflict. They violated the right to a fair trial and disproportionately targeted Irish republicans.
“This case is the latest example of the need for a legacy agreement between both governments that is human rights compliant and meets the needs of victims and families.”
CRÍOCH/ENDS
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