UK Government, Hilary Benn Announce Public Inquiry into Pat Finucane's 1989 UDA Murder

Sep 11, 2024, 01:20 PM

The British government has announced the establishment of an independent public inquiry into the 1989 murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn confirmed the decision in the House of Commons under the Inquiries Act 2005. Pat Finucane, a prominent human rights lawyer, was shot 14 times by loyalist paramilitaries from the UDA at his home in front of his wife and children. The murder has long been a contentious issue, with allegations of state collusion. The Finucane family, led by his widow Geraldine, has campaigned for decades for a full public inquiry, which they have now welcomed. This inquiry is seen as a significant step towards addressing the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.