Two held over killing of Belfast solicitor
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.TWO MEN were being questioned last night in connection with the murder of the Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane, shot in Northern Ireland 10 years ago.
The suspects, aged 36 and 30, and arrested in the Belfast area, were being held at a secret location under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Police sources said they were not in the Royal Ulster Constabulary, military, nor security services.
The move is the latest development in an inquiry headed by the Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner, John Stevens. Last month, it was claimed in a Belfast court that a man charged with murdering Finucane was an RUC Special Branch informer. Allegations that security forces were involved in the killing have persisted.
Finucane, who defended IRA suspects, was shot 14 times in front of his family. His wife was wounded. The killing was claimed by the loyalist Ulster Freedom Fighters.
The 30-year-old suspect was arrested yesterday; the 36-year-old was held on Tuesday.
At the request of the RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, Mr Stevens was called to Northern Ireland in April to head an inquiry into the murder and allegations of RUC collusion. Although the RUC made more than a dozen arrests during its investigation, no one was charged. As a result of Mr Stevens's fresh inquiry, William Stobie, 48, was charged with murder in June.
At Belfast magistrates' court he said he twice told police that a murder was to take place on the night of Finucane's killing but did not know the target. Mr Stobie was said to have served in the Ulster Defence Regiment, later to become the Royal Irish Regiment. He was remanded in custody.
After his court appearance, the Finucane family made fresh demands for an independent judicial inquiry.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments