OMAGH'S FIGHT FOR REAL JUSTICE
Omagh's fight for real justice
ALMOST three years after the Omagh bombing, it is appalling that no-one has yet been brought to justice for this heinous crime.
In the immediate aftermath of the atrocity in August 1998, hopes were high that the perpetrators would be caught.
Yet the widespread revulsion which followed the attack, and draconian legislation which was introduced to improve the chances of apprehending the killers have not led to the hoped-for breakthrough in the hunt for those responsible.
It has been clear for some time that the likelihood of bringing the bombers before the courts has been slim. The police instigated a review of the investigation in April last year.
It seems that the people who planted the bomb which killed 29 men, women and children as well as unborn twins, may face other charges but at this stage they are unlikely to be prosecuted for the Omagh atrocity.
Many people will find it shocking that, although we have been told that the names of the killers are known to police, the evidence is not there to put them behind bars.
Little wonder that the families of the dead feel they must mount a challenge in the civil courts to find justice.
And all the time, the Real: IRA is continuing to promote its evil campaign of terror and violence.
We must welcome the fact that gardai are having some success in thwarting the activities of these dangerous dissidents.
However, it is essential that those found guilty must receive the most severe penalties through the courts.
Anyone engaging in this sort of activity must realise they have a high likelihood of being caught and when caught, will most likely face a lengthy prison term. Otherwise, there is little to deter them.
Even though the Omagh bombers have not yet been brought to justice, there can be no let up in the investigation into this horrendous incident.
The families deserve justice, no matter how long it takes.
ALMOST three years after the Omagh bombing, it is appalling that no-one has yet been brought to justice for this heinous crime.
In the immediate aftermath of the atrocity in August 1998, hopes were high that the perpetrators would be caught.
Yet the widespread revulsion which followed the attack, and draconian legislation which was introduced to improve the chances of apprehending the killers have not led to the hoped-for breakthrough in the hunt for those responsible.
It has been clear for some time that the likelihood of bringing the bombers before the courts has been slim. The police instigated a review of the investigation in April last year.
It seems that the people who planted the bomb which killed 29 men, women and children as well as unborn twins, may face other charges but at this stage they are unlikely to be prosecuted for the Omagh atrocity.
Many people will find it shocking that, although we have been told that the names of the killers are known to police, the evidence is not there to put them behind bars.
Little wonder that the families of the dead feel they must mount a challenge in the civil courts to find justice.
And all the time, the Real: IRA is continuing to promote its evil campaign of terror and violence.
We must welcome the fact that gardai are having some success in thwarting the activities of these dangerous dissidents.
However, it is essential that those found guilty must receive the most severe penalties through the courts.
Anyone engaging in this sort of activity must realise they have a high likelihood of being caught and when caught, will most likely face a lengthy prison term. Otherwise, there is little to deter them.
Even though the Omagh bombers have not yet been brought to justice, there can be no let up in the investigation into this horrendous incident.
The families deserve justice, no matter how long it takes.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0509
Published Date: 26-Jul-01
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