Troubles soldiers legal ’witch-hunt’ must end, say MPs
A LEGAL “witch-hunt” against soldiers who served in Northern Ireland must be ended, MPs urged.
Thousands march for justice for Northern Irish veterans
Putting former British troops through criminal investigations and the threat of court action while terrorists were handed pardons was “a denial of natural justice”, the Commons Defence Select Committee said.
The MPs called for a Statute of Limitations preventing further prosecution of incidents prior to the 1998 Belfast Agreement.
They recommended extending this to the Royal Ulster Constabulary and other former security personnel.
MPs called to a end to the legal ‘witch hunt’ against Northern Ireland veterans
We should be ending the witch-hunt
Controversially, it said the new Government could decide whether to extend this Statute of limitations to all Troubles’ incidents including terrorism.
Last year, two former soldiers were told they will be prosecuted for murder over the death of an IRA commander in 1972.
And a retired soldier aged 75 is also to face trial in relation to a fatal shooting.
Mike Hookem addresses Northern Irish veterans campaign
Two former soldiers were told they will be prosecuted for murder over the death of an IRA commander
As part of the peace process, IRA terrorists have received royal pardons or so-called “On The Run” letters.
Those subsequently convicted of Troubles offences face up to two years in prison, whatever their crime.
But a British soldier convicted of an illegal killing could still face a life sentence.
A retired soldier aged 75 is also to face trial in relation to a fatal shooting
Col Richard Kemp, who served in Northern Ireland, said the MPs’ report offered a way to end the persecution of British troops.
He added: “We should be ending the witch-hunt.”