Campaign for an inquiry into Michael Leonard killing to be launched

A booklet campaigning for an inquiry into the killing of a County Donegal man will be launched on Thursday as the 50th anniversary of his death approaches.

Michael Leonard from Pettigo was shot dead by the Royal Ulster Constabulary on May 17, 1973 near the Donegal-Fermanagh border at Brookhill, Letter, in County Fermanagh.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of his killing. With new evidence in the British Ministry of Defence records having emerged, the family are now renewing calls for a fresh inquiry.

He was killed only 200 metres from the border following a car chase.

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In 2019, his family unearthed new evidence which they believe proves that Michael was deliberately targeted and shot at multiple times by the RUC.

In January, the family met with representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Omagh and have called for a new inquest be opened by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman.

Members of the Leonard family with Micheàl Martin and Councillor Michael Naughton.

Late last week, Donegal County Councillor Michael Naughton helped to secure a meeting between the Leonard Family and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheàl Martin.

“Fifty years is to long to wait for justice,” Councillor Naughton said.

This Thursday, a booklet will be launched in the AV Room at Leinster House calling for an inquiry to be held.

“The Leonard family have had to wait so long for justice,” said Donegal Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty, who will speak at Thursday's launch.

“I want to see the Department of Foreign Affairs bring the demand for an inquiry into his killing to the attention of the British government.”

Other speakers include Father Joe McVeigh, a first cousin of Michael Leonard who has campaigned for justice for Michael for 50 years, and researcher and campaigner, Ciarán MacAirt.

Sinn Féin MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Jemma Dolan said: “The emergence of new evidence in this case proves what the family have always known: that the official story doesn’t add up.”