Bellaghy, Northern Ireland – The family of Sean Brown is accusing the government of attempting to prolong legal procedures to avoid a public inquiry into his murder. Brown, a Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) official, was tragically murdered in 1997.
In a recent development, a coroner paused an inquest into Brown’s death and reached out to the government to demand a public inquiry. However, instead of complying, the government has initiated legal action over the inquest, causing Brown’s family to criticize the move as an attack on the truth.
The family’s solicitor expressed grave concerns over the government’s alleged intent to entangle them in lengthy legal processes that could potentially span years. The family feels they are being manipulated as part of a larger strategy by the British government to shield its controversial legacy approach.
Sean Brown, aged 61, was abducted in Bellaghy, County Londonderry, and fatally shot near Randalstown in County Antrim in 1997. His inquest hit a roadblock in March when the coroner determined that critical intelligence material had been withheld on national security grounds, hindering a thorough investigation into Brown’s killing.
The government’s decision to challenge the inquest raises questions about its motives, although specifics behind the move remain undisclosed. The challenge is believed to revolve around revelations made during the inquest regarding state agents and potential breaches of governmental policies.
Opposition to the government’s legal actions has emerged, with the Brown family condemning the proceedings as an extension of contentious legislation aimed at denying victims access to justice. This response echoes broader disapproval towards the Troubles Legacy Act, which has faced criticism from various parties and victims’ groups in Northern Ireland.
The sequence of events surrounding Sean Brown’s murder continues to unravel, with implications potentially reaching beyond his case. The ongoing legal battle and the demand for a public inquiry underscore the complexities of addressing unresolved conflicts and seeking accountability for historical injustices.