The Irish government’s refusal to accept the legitimacy of the British Government’s intention to introduce a general amnesty for, amongst others, British soldiers for murders, tortures and other illegalities committed in Northern Ireland is ongoing.
Simon Coveney, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs said:
“British plans for a Troubles amnesty would breach international obligations.”
“..a general statute of limitations .. is effectively an unconditional amnesty”.
“Some have sold the British government’s position during the week as a fait accompli. There is no fait accompli,”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“It is wrong”,
The comments have led to speculation that the Irish Government intends to lift the de facto amnesty enjoyed by the Irish State and the Garda Heavy Gang for torture and other breaches of European and international law, in particular, in the case of Osgur Breatnach and the Sallins Case in general.
This follows the Government realisation that the general public is becoming increasingly aware that Ireland is breaching international law in not holding an impartial Sallins Case inquiry. Osgur Breatnach and family members effectively advocating the campaign for a public inquiry into the Sallins case, now into its 45th year, is renewing interest by media and human rights organisations in Ireland and internationally.
