In opposing the extradition of the Omagh bomber, Fermanagh and Omagh District councillors ignored the human rights of victims

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council had a Policy and Resources meeting on Wednesday 8th.

At the end of the meeting chaired by Sinn Fein councillor Stephen McCann, he allowed under Any Other Business, for Independent councillor Bernice Swift to table a motion that the council should write a letter to the Taoiseach’s office rejecting the extradition of Liam Campbell, citing a breach of his human rights.

Mr Campbell has been found guilty in a civil court of mass murder in Omagh on 15th August 1998, resulting in the deaths of 29 innocent people, two unborn babies, and life-changing injuries to hundreds.

Debate on the subject was refused and the motion was carried, 23 votes for and 14 against, with one abstention.

All the members of Sinn Fein, the SDLP and independents (one abstained) present voted for the motion.

The human rights of all the victims and survivors in Omagh were never considered in the vote; indeed victims and survivors in general were never given any thought.

Carrying a motion of this nature has wider repercussions for all innocent victims and survivors, it is saying to wider society that a section of our community will put the perpetrators ahead of their victims and this must be absolutely rejected as being totally abhorrent.

Ken Funston, Advocacy Manager, SEFF, Lisnaskea

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