Mansfield to lead private prosecution against Hamill accused
TOP English barrister, Michael Mansfield has offered his services
free of charge to the family of murdered Portadown man Robert
Hamill.
d last week, Robert's family launched an appeal for funds to
help them take the private prosecution against those
responsibile.
During the public launch of the appeal in Belfast's Conway Mill
Robert's sister, Diana, stated that money raised would be used to
get to the truth about what happened.
``We intend to privately prosecute those we feel are responsible
for Robert's death, directly or indirectly, by beating him or
watching him being beaten. It is clear to everyone that my
brother should not have been allowed to die.
``We have called on all influential groups and politicians to
publically support our requests which are the immediate
suspension of the RUC officers who could have intervened to save
Robert and we want from the British government a judically led
independent inquiry free from RUC interference.''
During the press conference, representatives of Belfast community
and justice groups and business community signed pledges of
support.
Breandan MacCionnaith who chaired the conference told An
Phoblacht, ``nothing has changed since Robert Hamill's death.'' He
went on to explain that on Saturday two Catholics were beaten by
loyalists at the bottom of Woodhouse Street, close to Garvaghy
Road in Portadown, while the RUC looked on.
The attack occurred as loyalists paraded near Woodhouse Street.
As the RUC opened a gap to allow an RIR patrol through, the
loyalists rushed through and set upon the men. One needed nine
stitches in a head wound.
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