OMAGH FAMILIES FURY AT PRISONER'S 48 HOUR PRIVILEGE
Omagh families' fury at prisoner's 48-hour 'privilege'
FAMILIES of those killed in the Omagh bombing have reacted with outrage after learning that an alleged Real IRA member was released from jail to attend his son's confirmation dinner.
It is understood that Liam Campbell, on remand at Portlaoise jail awaiting retrial on a charge of membership of the dissident group, was released for 48 hours to attend the event, held at the Ballymascanlon Hotel just south of the border.
Campbell is currently seeking legal aid to contest a civil action being taken against him by families of the victims of the attack.
He has entered two defences, one denying responsibility for the blast, another saying that the Real IRA was not involved in the 1998 atrocity which claimed 29 lives.
Omagh Victims' Group chair Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old-son Aidan in the blast, said the decision to release Campbell "made a mockery" of the war against terror.
He added that he would be raising the matter with both Irish Justice Minster Michael McDowell and Secretary of State Paul Murphy.
"For somebody so allegedly high up in the organisation to be released to behave as they see fit is ridiculous," he said.
'If a relative is sick or has died, then I could understand.
"But for this man, allegedly connected with the worst massacre in the history of the Troubles, to be allowed out for a couple of days for a family celebration is an insult.
"I am just lost for words.
"This cannot be justified and I cannot believe that a man facing these sorts of charges is being treated like a minor criminal.
"Paul Murphy cannot say that this is an issue beyond his control.
"He should act within his capacity to take an interest in the people associated with this organisation and assume responsibility for how they continue to affect us.
"There were 11 children killed at Omagh and their parents would have loved to have had the chance to spend more time with them but they can't.
"Why should a man connected to such serious charges enjoy that privilege?"
FAMILIES of those killed in the Omagh bombing have reacted with outrage after learning that an alleged Real IRA member was released from jail to attend his son's confirmation dinner.
It is understood that Liam Campbell, on remand at Portlaoise jail awaiting retrial on a charge of membership of the dissident group, was released for 48 hours to attend the event, held at the Ballymascanlon Hotel just south of the border.
Campbell is currently seeking legal aid to contest a civil action being taken against him by families of the victims of the attack.
He has entered two defences, one denying responsibility for the blast, another saying that the Real IRA was not involved in the 1998 atrocity which claimed 29 lives.
Omagh Victims' Group chair Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old-son Aidan in the blast, said the decision to release Campbell "made a mockery" of the war against terror.
He added that he would be raising the matter with both Irish Justice Minster Michael McDowell and Secretary of State Paul Murphy.
"For somebody so allegedly high up in the organisation to be released to behave as they see fit is ridiculous," he said.
'If a relative is sick or has died, then I could understand.
"But for this man, allegedly connected with the worst massacre in the history of the Troubles, to be allowed out for a couple of days for a family celebration is an insult.
"I am just lost for words.
"This cannot be justified and I cannot believe that a man facing these sorts of charges is being treated like a minor criminal.
"Paul Murphy cannot say that this is an issue beyond his control.
"He should act within his capacity to take an interest in the people associated with this organisation and assume responsibility for how they continue to affect us.
"There were 11 children killed at Omagh and their parents would have loved to have had the chance to spend more time with them but they can't.
"Why should a man connected to such serious charges enjoy that privilege?"
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/538
Published Date: 03-May-04
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