logo
Omagh bomb families call for special advocate for closed hearings at inquiry

Omagh bomb families call for special advocate for closed hearings at inquiry

Omagh Bombing Inquiry chairman Lord Turnbull is hearing arguments around applications during dedicated hearings this week.
Counsel to the inquiry Paul Greaney KC said the inquiry, which is probing whether the 1998 dissident republican bomb attack could have been prevented, will hear some sensitive security evidence in closed hearings.
Paul Greaney KC, counsel to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry (Liam McBurney/PA)
The atrocity in the Co Tyrone town on August 15 1998 killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins.
Speaking during hearings in Belfast on Monday, Mr Greaney said the inquiry's legal team recognises that survivors and the bereaved have spent 25 years seeking the truth, and may be 'suspicious or even cynical of the UK state's willingness to engage in a way that is straightforward and wholehearted with this inquiry'.
'We acknowledge too, that the idea of evidence being heard in circumstances in which the families and survivors will be excluded is one that they will find difficult to accept, to say the least, and accordingly, we regard it as entirely understandable that some, although not all, have suggested special advocates should be appointed to represent their interests in any closed hearings, and have made applications for that to occur,' he said.
Outlining the arguments that will be made, Mr Greaney said some contend special advocates cannot legally be appointed in a statutory public inquiry, while others have said if such a power does exist it should not be exercised.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn (PA)
He said others have said special advocates can legally be appointed in an inquiry, and should be in this case to ensure the interests of the bereaved and survivors are protected, meanwhile others are neutral, and one group has said they are content to leave the matters to the inquiry's legal team.
Mr Greaney also revealed that both the Advocate General of Northern Ireland Lord Hermer KC and Secretary of State Hilary Benn's position is that there is no power to appoint a special advocate in a statutory public inquiry.
It was also noted that special advocates were not appointed in the inquiry into the death of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko or in the Manchester Arena Inquiry.
Hugh Southey KC, acting for some of the bereaved families and survivors, emphasised the importance of a process from which everyone walks away feeling confident in the outcome.
He said those which he represents have been calling for the appointment of a special advocate since the early days of the inquiry.
'They obviously have a degree of scepticism about the state's position in relation to this inquiry,' he said.
'There has been considerable delay in getting to this stage and also there is a history, they would argue, of the state not necessarily of being fully open, essentially about what's happened in the past, and because of that they are of the opinion that it is particularly important that any closed procedure involves the state being fully tested, and it's important also that they have confidence in the outcome of any closed procedure.'
He added that special advocates played a key rule in a judicial review which was taken by Michael Gallagher, whose son Aiden was killed in the bomb, previously of the government's decision not to call a public inquiry.
'That is part of the reason why, from their point of view, it is important that special advocates continue to be involved in the process,' he said.
He argued that those he represents who are excluded from the closed hearings in terms of not having a special advocate will not understand the legal basis.
'They won't understand the evidential basis, that's inevitable, but they will also not understand, be able to know whether there is any error effectively in the approach the inquiry adopt when making those findings,' he said.
The hearing will continue on Tuesday.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Why Zelensky reversed his anti-corruption overhaul
Why Zelensky reversed his anti-corruption overhaul

Spectator

time2 hours ago

  • Spectator

Why Zelensky reversed his anti-corruption overhaul

On Tuesday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved a law to gut Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies. On Thursday he backtracked, and said he would put forward new legislation to restore their independence. The original legislation would have stripped both the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sapo) of their independence, bringing them under direct executive control. The official reason for the legislation was to cleanse Ukraine's investigative bodies of Russian influence. A spy, apparently, was suspected in their ranks. But treason has become the calling card for the consolidation of power in Ukraine. Earlier this year, Petro Poroshenko – President Zelensky's main declared challenger in the next election – was sanctioned for high treason, effectively barring him from running for high office. Ukrainians have had enough. With Donald Trump warming to his Ukrainian counterpart after their bust-up in the Oval Office, the 'rally-around-the-flag' effect that recently buoyed Zelensky – after months of sagging poll numbers – has now dissipated. The legislative coup provoked the largest demonstration since Russia's invasion in 2022. Many read it as creeping authoritarianism, marked by increasingly staccato punctuation. Even in international media that reliably lionises Zelensky, stories are beginning to percolate about the monopolisation of power, the use of lawfare to sideline political opponents, the harassment of civil society and a growing crackdown on dissent. Yet Tuesday's institutional hijacking was an escalation, considering what is at stake. Nabu and Sapo were originally established as a condition for western support after Russia's invasion of Crimea and eastern Ukraine in 2014. Donors needed assurances that funds would not be siphoned off, viewing accountability as essential for maintaining domestic backing for their aid packages. The IMF predicated its bailout programmes on Ukraine's anti-corruption commitments, and western capitals have repeatedly linked continued support to efforts to root out graft. At a time when European governments are struggling to cover the shortfall left by President Trump's withdrawal of US aid, the implications for international support could be severe. Before this week's legislation, Ukraine's anti-corruption community was under pressure. Earlier in July, Ukrainian authorities raidedthe home of the country's leading anti-corruption campaigner without a warrant, accusing him of draft evasion and fraud. Then, on the eve of the vote, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) – long seen as a tool for political enforcement – carried out 70 raids on Nabu and Sapo staff. They ransacked their offices and arrested a lead investigator. But as Ukrainians know – and western diplomats will privately concede – the problems within Nabu run deeper. The agency has long been accused of operating under the influence of the presidential administration and Zelensky's éminence grise, chief of staff Andriy Yermak. Nabu has been variously criticised for ineffectiveness, for steering clear of presidential allies, or conversely, for being used as a tool of political persecution. It begs the question what changed. The threads lead back to the case of Oleksiy Chernyshov, a former deputy prime minister, a close ally of the president, who was charged with corruption last month. Nabu had long been accused of toothlessness when it came to investigating those close to power. But the consequence of baring its teeth has been its defanging. For some time, Chernyshov's case was rumoured to have been quietly manoeuvred out of investigation by the pliant head of Nabu, Semen Kryvonos. Last year, a court issued a warrant to search Chernyshov's residence in connection with alleged corruption in 'Big Construction' – Zelensky's flagship infrastructure programme, known locally as the 'Great Theft'. But the search was never executed, reportedly at Kryvonos' request. Kryvonos himself owed his previous post to the backing of both Chernyshov and Yermak. The inner circle, it seemed, would remain safe under his tenure at the agency – a role he was appointed to despite having no background in anti-corruption. It was only after internal pressure within Nabu eventually forced Kryvonos to act on Chernyshov. It confirmed what many had long suspected – that the President's office exercised quiet control over the institution. The moment that control looked in doubt, its independence was shut down. For western partners, the balancing act of funding Ukraine while withholding public criticism has collapsed. The G7 ambassadors have released a statement confirming they had met with Nabu and now 'have serious concerns and intend to discuss these developments with government leaders'. Corruption has long stymied Ukraine. It was the thrust behind the Maidan protests: the call to expel the oligarchs that controlled the country without accountability. It made Ukraine vulnerable to invasion in 2014 in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. It propelled Zelensky himself to political power as an outsider who could sweep away graft. Still, more Ukrainians now see corruption as a greater threat to the country's development than Russian aggression. Many of Ukraine's western partners have justified their support as a defence of democracy against corrupt autocracy. Even with Zelensky's backtracking, with the dismemberment of Ukraine's independent institutions, many will now legitimately ask: whom, and what, are they funding?

"What Russia is doing is systematic colonization." Opinion from Abkhazia
"What Russia is doing is systematic colonization." Opinion from Abkhazia

JAMnews

time14 hours ago

  • JAMnews

"What Russia is doing is systematic colonization." Opinion from Abkhazia

Russia is taking control of Abkhazia A new stage of Russia–Abkhazia cooperation is, in essence, a controlled integration of Abkhazia into the Russian Federation. This is how the Abkhaz media outlet Aiashara interprets several recent decisions made by the Kremlin regarding Abkhazian citizens. In particular, it refers to the simplification of Russian citizenship procedures and the ban on Abkhaz driving licenses in Russia, accompanied by the issuing of Russian licenses within Abkhazia. Aiashara interprets these Kremlin initiatives as follows: What is the idea behind it? Controlled integration = a strategy of 'absorption without annexation' Russia is applying a tactic of asymmetric absorption. It does not declare official unification but inserts itself into key elements of sovereignty – documents, borders, rights, and governance. At the same time: Russia complicates regular border crossings, But simplifies the switch to a new identity (Russian citizenship). The goal is to make the population 'voluntarily' choose Russian jurisdiction as the only convenient option. Want to travel, work, live? Then give up independence. Russia offers convenience – in exchange for loyalty. This is infrastructural occupation without tanks. Driver's licenses: not about cars, but about legitimacy By banning Abkhaz driving licenses in its jurisdiction, Russia delegitimizes Abkhazia's very statehood. Moscow is effectively sending a clear message: 'Your documents are fake. Only the ones we issue are real.' And by issuing its own licenses on Abkhaz territory, Russia: Extends its jurisdiction directly onto foreign soil; Builds a parallel state; Turns Abkhazia into a regional proxy zone. This is soft colonization – no flag, but full control over daily life. Russia's real but hidden goals: 1. Demographic absorption The more Russian citizens live in the region, the easier it becomes to control – even through military means 'to protect Russian nationals.' 2. Erosion of Abkhaz sovereignty Abkhazia becomes a de facto federal protectorate without formal annexation. 3. Blocking alternative influences By monopolizing legitimacy and documentation channels, Russia eliminates competition. How to resist? 1. Expose the logic of soft occupation People need to be explaimed: Russian citizenship means a gradual loss of national independence; Russian documents are control tools, not gifts; Simplified procedures are traps, not benefits; Russia is not 'helping' Abkhazians — that's a myth. 2. Build alternative legitimacy infrastructure Even without global recognition, Abkhazia must build internal trust. For that, the following are needed: Digital IDs; Third-country agreements; Trusted platforms independent of Russia. No infrastructure – no sovereignty, even if there's a flag. 3. Develop domestic economy and services as an alternative to Russian oversight As long as Russia provides more, people will choose it. But once internal systems start feeding, healing, and transporting people, the incentive to rely on foreign jurisdiction will weaken. Russian agents in Abkhazia | Discussion of Inal Khashig and Astamur Tania 'Georgia must learn to say 'yes'' – view from Abkhazia Conclusion What Russia is doing is systematic colonization through documents. Not guns, but passports. Not annexation, but 'assistance.' Not orders, but 'convenient choices.' Russia is playing the long game: Undermining internal legitimacy; Building direct influence through citizenship; Imposing its legal grid. Resistance is possible – but only by abandoning illusions and starting to play the same game: the game of systems, not slogans. Toponyms, terminology, views and opinions expressed by the author are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of JAMnews or any employees thereof. JAMnews reserves the right to delete comments it considers to be offensive, inflammatory, threatening or otherwise unacceptable. News in Abkhazia

British Embassy: "Georgian Dream has distanced itself from Euro-Atlantic cooperation"
British Embassy: "Georgian Dream has distanced itself from Euro-Atlantic cooperation"

JAMnews

time14 hours ago

  • JAMnews

British Embassy: "Georgian Dream has distanced itself from Euro-Atlantic cooperation"

UK regrets Georgian Dream's actions The British Embassy in Georgia has published a statement on sanctions against 21 Russian military intelligence agents and four Russian organizations 'in response to Russia's hostile actions.' The statement also mentions a cyberattack carried out by Russian military intelligence against Georgia in 2019. The Embassy reaffirms its strong support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and expresses regret over the ruling Georgian Dream party's drift away from Euro-Atlantic cooperation. The text of the statement: 'In concert with the EU, NATO and a large coalition of states, the UK has called out Russia's irresponsible, destructive and destabilising hybrid activity targeting the UK, Ukraine, NATO allies and partners across the world. In response to Russia's persistent hostile activity, the UK has sanctioned 4 entities and 21 operatives of Russian military intelligence for irresponsible and destructive hybrid activity targeting the UK, Ukraine, and the wider world. This includes one of the units of the GRU – Russian military intelligence agency – which, in 2022, conducted online reconnaissance to help target missile strikes against Mariupol – including the strike that destroyed the Mariupol Theatre where hundreds of civilians, including children, were murdered. We have also sanctioned three leaders of Russia's 'Africa Initiative', a Foreign Information Manipulation and Influence (FIMI) outlet established and funded by Russia, employing Russian intelligence officers to conduct information operations in West Africa. Africa Initiative attempted to undermine lifesaving global health initiatives in the region by pushing baseless conspiracy theories to further the Kremlin's political agenda. The activity exposed is another demonstration of how hybrid activity – including through cyberspace and disinformation – are a tool in Russia's ongoing campaign to destabilise Europe, and in Russia's brutal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. In October 2019, Georgia was also the subject of a damaging cyber-attack by the Russian military intelligence. In February 2020, the UK Government and its partners exposed these cyber-attacks against Georgia as part of Russia's long-running campaign of hostile and destabilising activity. We have been clear that the GRU conducted these cyber-attacks in an attempt to undermine Georgia's sovereignty, to sow discord and disrupt the lives of ordinary Georgian people. The UK remains unwavering in its support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The UK and Georgia worked together to build cyber resilience and to publicly attribute that attack, unfortunately Georgian Dream has moved away from Euro-Atlantic co-operation, but the threat from Russia remains, including in the cyber sphere.' News in Georgia

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store