Wednesday Troubles Act cut-off is 'cliff edge for truth, justice and accountability' - Grainne Teggart

Ahead of inquests, civil cases and other legacy mechanisms halting on Wednesday due to the UK government’s Troubles Act, Grainne Teggart, Amnesty International UK’s Northern Ireland Deputy Director, said: “Today is a cliff edge for truth, justice, and accountability for victims of the Northern Ireland conflict.

“The Troubles Act first of May guillotine for judicial processes has acted as an incentive for the State to frustrate legal proceedings and continue to grossly fail victims.

“The UK government should be utterly ashamed of the suffering they have heaped on victims by this appalling Act. This law is a significant attack on rights, a disturbing interference in the justice system and a complete affront to justice. It also sets a dangerous international precedent and must not stand.

“We are determined this will not be the end, the Troubles Act must be repealed. Legal challenges to the Act continue and the upcoming General Election will provide the next UK government with the opportunity to prioritise righting this historic wrong. We urgently need victim-centred processes established and an end to a culture of slashing away at basic rights.”