BOMB VICTIM'S FATHER RAGES OVER TERROR WEBSITE
Bomb victim's father rages at terror website
By Michael McHugh
THE father of a 12-year-old boy killed in the Omagh bomb is to write to the Scottish prosecutor protesting against a decision not to take action against those behind a website praising Real IRA gunmen.
Victor Barker said he was dismayed by the decision not to prosecute after his complaint to London's top policeman sparked an investigation of the site.
The website of the armed group's political wing, the 32 County Sovereignty Committee, features images of gunmen as well as a comments forum saluting last week's Dublin rioters as heroes. It is believed to have been set up by a Scottish-based server.
The RIRA has been banned in Northern Ireland.
Mr Barker - whose 12-year-old son James was killed in the August 1998 Real IRA bomb - had appealed for Sir Ian Blair, Chief Constable of the Metropolitan Police, to intervene to close the site down.
Speaking today, Mr Barker said he was disgusted by the news.
"I think it is disgraceful that they have decided not to prosecute after all this talk about being tough on terror," he said.
"I will be writing to the Scottish prosecutor to ask for more information about this."
Prosecutors have now decided not to take any action. A spokesman for the service, known as the Procurator Fiscal in Scotland, said: "We received a report from Scottish police in relation to the 32 County Sovereignty Movement's web site.
"After careful consideration of all the available evidence, the Procurator Fiscal decided that no proceedings should be taken."
The news comes amid continuing debate about parliamentary moves to outlaw incitement to hatred.
"It has long been accepted by the Government in this country that the 32 County Movement and the Real IRA are inextricably linked," Mr Barker wrote to Sir Ian.
"In the context of our Prime Minister's attitude towards terrorist organisations, I find it disturbing to say the least that a website such as the above can be permitted to peddle its message of hatred without any criminal sanction by police.
"The photographs of themselves glorify the use of arms. I am sure you are aware that the 32 County Sovereignty Committee and the Real IRA are proscribed terrorist organisation within the United States."
Mr Barker has also written to a Canadian organisation which he claims is hosting the website.
He described the decision not to prosecute as "absolutely outrageous".
One message on the website's forum, posted by a user, said the "heroes" in Dublin last Saturday made him proud to be Irish.
"The amazing spectacle on Saturday made me really believe again that truly our day will indeed come, let the rising in Dublin last Saturday be a date to remember."
By Michael McHugh
THE father of a 12-year-old boy killed in the Omagh bomb is to write to the Scottish prosecutor protesting against a decision not to take action against those behind a website praising Real IRA gunmen.
Victor Barker said he was dismayed by the decision not to prosecute after his complaint to London's top policeman sparked an investigation of the site.
The website of the armed group's political wing, the 32 County Sovereignty Committee, features images of gunmen as well as a comments forum saluting last week's Dublin rioters as heroes. It is believed to have been set up by a Scottish-based server.
The RIRA has been banned in Northern Ireland.
Mr Barker - whose 12-year-old son James was killed in the August 1998 Real IRA bomb - had appealed for Sir Ian Blair, Chief Constable of the Metropolitan Police, to intervene to close the site down.
Speaking today, Mr Barker said he was disgusted by the news.
"I think it is disgraceful that they have decided not to prosecute after all this talk about being tough on terror," he said.
"I will be writing to the Scottish prosecutor to ask for more information about this."
Prosecutors have now decided not to take any action. A spokesman for the service, known as the Procurator Fiscal in Scotland, said: "We received a report from Scottish police in relation to the 32 County Sovereignty Movement's web site.
"After careful consideration of all the available evidence, the Procurator Fiscal decided that no proceedings should be taken."
The news comes amid continuing debate about parliamentary moves to outlaw incitement to hatred.
"It has long been accepted by the Government in this country that the 32 County Movement and the Real IRA are inextricably linked," Mr Barker wrote to Sir Ian.
"In the context of our Prime Minister's attitude towards terrorist organisations, I find it disturbing to say the least that a website such as the above can be permitted to peddle its message of hatred without any criminal sanction by police.
"The photographs of themselves glorify the use of arms. I am sure you are aware that the 32 County Sovereignty Committee and the Real IRA are proscribed terrorist organisation within the United States."
Mr Barker has also written to a Canadian organisation which he claims is hosting the website.
He described the decision not to prosecute as "absolutely outrageous".
One message on the website's forum, posted by a user, said the "heroes" in Dublin last Saturday made him proud to be Irish.
"The amazing spectacle on Saturday made me really believe again that truly our day will indeed come, let the rising in Dublin last Saturday be a date to remember."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0999
Published Date: 03-Mar-06
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