NAMING OF OMAGH SUSPECTS WELCOMED
Naming of Omagh suspects welcomed
By Darwin Templeton, Chief Reporter
THE families of Omagh victims today welcomed moves to name individuals who were questioned about
the atrocity. BBC show Panorama is planning to broadcast the identities of "several" people living in the border counties of the Republic on Monday night. Victims' spokesperson Michael Gallagher said: "I have co-operated with the programme and although I was surprised that they are to name names, knowing the quality of the people involved, I am sure they took careful consideration of the facts.
"They certainly have my support and that of the families in contact with me." Mr Gallagher dismissed concerns that the show could jeopardise future investigations. In the past, police chiefs have refused to discuss details of suspects for fears of prejudicing future trials.
But Mr Gallagher said: "I feel that argument no longer stands. The trial of two Libyans accused of the Lockerbie bombing is being held in the Netherlands because they felt they could not get a fair trial in Scotland."
Sir Ronnie Flanagan is interviewed on the show and senior RUC officers are known to have worked closely with the programme-makers over the last few weeks. The force refused to comment on its role in the programme, saying: "We cannot comment on what may or may not appear in a future TV programme."
Reporter John Ware has spent several months investigating the individuals who have allegedly failed to account for their movements on the day of the bombing. They are also said to have failed to answer detailed questions about mobile phones tracked into and out of Omagh on the day of the blast, which killed 29 people and two unborn children. It is understood that the show will feature footage of Ware confronting some of the individuals at their homes. Tony Hall, the BBC's Head of News, said: "The decision to name the suspects is right and has been taken after carefully considering the legal implications."
Meanwhile, the Omagh inquest was hearing details of the death of 12-year-old James Barker.
The boy's father Victor has accused Secretary of State Peter Mandelson of failing to answer his questions on the attack.
By Darwin Templeton, Chief Reporter
THE families of Omagh victims today welcomed moves to name individuals who were questioned about
the atrocity. BBC show Panorama is planning to broadcast the identities of "several" people living in the border counties of the Republic on Monday night. Victims' spokesperson Michael Gallagher said: "I have co-operated with the programme and although I was surprised that they are to name names, knowing the quality of the people involved, I am sure they took careful consideration of the facts.
"They certainly have my support and that of the families in contact with me." Mr Gallagher dismissed concerns that the show could jeopardise future investigations. In the past, police chiefs have refused to discuss details of suspects for fears of prejudicing future trials.
But Mr Gallagher said: "I feel that argument no longer stands. The trial of two Libyans accused of the Lockerbie bombing is being held in the Netherlands because they felt they could not get a fair trial in Scotland."
Sir Ronnie Flanagan is interviewed on the show and senior RUC officers are known to have worked closely with the programme-makers over the last few weeks. The force refused to comment on its role in the programme, saying: "We cannot comment on what may or may not appear in a future TV programme."
Reporter John Ware has spent several months investigating the individuals who have allegedly failed to account for their movements on the day of the bombing. They are also said to have failed to answer detailed questions about mobile phones tracked into and out of Omagh on the day of the blast, which killed 29 people and two unborn children. It is understood that the show will feature footage of Ware confronting some of the individuals at their homes. Tony Hall, the BBC's Head of News, said: "The decision to name the suspects is right and has been taken after carefully considering the legal implications."
Meanwhile, the Omagh inquest was hearing details of the death of 12-year-old James Barker.
The boy's father Victor has accused Secretary of State Peter Mandelson of failing to answer his questions on the attack.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0760
Published Date: 05-Oct-00
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