Letter: Culture of silence on murders must end so that truth and justice can be provided to victims and survivors
A letter from Tim Attwood:
It was my honour to stand with Lyra McKee’s partner Sara Canning and her sister Nichola Corner and their family and friends during the long and difficult trial of those accused of the murder of young journalist Lyra McKee, while observing a riot in the Creggan area of Derry on April 18, 2019.
Despite the devastating acquittal of all the accused, the family constantly displayed a quiet courage, fortitude and resilience.
Outside the court, Nichola spoke powerfully of the need for the ‘culture of silence to end’. The sad fact is, there are witnesses to the murder of Lyra McKee who could have come forward but chose not to.
In some communities in NI, a mafia style Omertà still exists where a code of silence and honour forbids cooperation with the police and the justice system. This means that, either through political loyalty or fear, truth is suppressed.
Sadly, this code of silence does not only apply to the murder of Lyra McKee, it also applies to the murder of Paul Quinn in 2007, the disappearance of Lisa Dorrian in 2005 and the murder of Robert McCartney in 2005.
Twenty-eight years on from the Good Friday Agreement, it is time republicans, loyalist and state forces end this culture of silence and provide truth and justice to victims and survivors.
It is our duty to stand with the family of Lyra McKee and ensure that no stone is left unturned in their efforts to get justice.
Lyra’s words continue to inspire us all that 'It won't always be like this, It's going to get better'.
Tim Attwood, Belfast BT11