Justice must no longer be delayed or denied - Murphy
Sinn Féin councillor Declan Murphy has described the overturning of his 1989 conviction in court as a personal vindication, and a damning indictment of the British State’s use of its judicial system as a weapon of political repression.
Councillor Murphy, who alongside Declan John Moen and Conor Gilmore had their convictions quashed for having explosives linked to a planned attack on a Royal Ulster Constabulary soccer team by the Court of Appeal.
He said: “After 36 years, the truth has been officially acknowledged. I was wrongly convicted by a system built on lies, political interference, and manufactured British State collusion.
“This was a miscarriage of justice. It should never have happened.”
He said the actions of the RUC “were reprehensible, in coordination with British state agents who used every opportunity to try and set us up”.
And he continued: “This is the legacy of the British State in Ireland and no one has been held accountable as they continue to block truth, justice and accountability.
“I will not accept today’s decision as closure. My case is just one example of hundreds. Victims of British State violence and collusion still search and fight for justice and answers. But justice continues to be denied.
“Today's ruling highlights again the need for full accountability.
“Upcoming legacy framework agreements between the Irish and British Government must command the confidence of the families who are still searching for the truth.
“Sinn Féin will continue to fight for truth and justice, and stand shoulder to shoulder with victims and families."
The decision was welcomed by Cllr Murphy’s party colleague, Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes.
Paying tribute to their “persistence in clearing their names”, he added: “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.”