New investigation launched into RUC killing of Newry IRA man

Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has welcomed the news that an investigation is to be opened into the murder of IRA man Colum Marks.

Colum, who was originally from Newry, was killed by the RUC in Downpatrick in 1991.

“While I am of course happy to hear that an investigation into Colum’s murder is to be launched my thoughts first and foremost go to Colum’s family,” Murphy said.

“Their fight for justice has been a long and difficult one. Each time it seemed like there was a breakthrough the state would always throw something else in their way, heaping more hurt on a family that has lost a beloved son and brother.

“Yet through all this they remained determined and dignified. There has always been questions surrounding Colum’s murder. The RUC statements about what happened on the night have never been credible; the Human Rights Commission said they raised more questions than answers.

The local MLA continued, “This new witness statement seems to vindicate the family’s belief that Colum was unarmed, arrested and executed.

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“With each passing inquiry and investigation we seem to learn more and more about Britain’s dirty war in Ireland, whether it was carried out through collusion, assassinations or their shoot to kill policy, and it seems that Colum was a victim of that dirty war.

“These investigations only scratch the surface of British involvement in the conflict in Ireland but with each one it becomes clearer why they are so opposed to a truth and reconciliation process.

Murphy added, “Whatever happens with this investigation we can only hope that it brings Colum’s family that bit closer to the truth and to justice.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Jun 30 2016. Filed under Community, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry