Victims press taoiseach to support inquiry into firebomb which burned 12 people alive

A victims’ group is pressing the Taoiseach Micheál Martin to support a call for a public inquiry into the La Mon atrocity 42 years ago.
Families of the La Mon massacre victims are calling for a full public inquiry into the IRA bomb which killed 12 people.

Pictured is the funeral of victims Sandra Morris and Carol Mills in 1978. Photo: Pacemaker Press.Families of the La Mon massacre victims are calling for a full public inquiry into the IRA bomb which killed 12 people.

Pictured is the funeral of victims Sandra Morris and Carol Mills in 1978. Photo: Pacemaker Press.
Families of the La Mon massacre victims are calling for a full public inquiry into the IRA bomb which killed 12 people. Pictured is the funeral of victims Sandra Morris and Carol Mills in 1978. Photo: Pacemaker Press.

Ulster Human Rights Watch, which represents 15 victims of the attack, appealed to Secretary of State Brandon Lewis, earlier this week and issued a similar message to Mr Martin.

Advocacy manager, Axel Schmidt, told Mr Martin: “We are leaving no stone unturned to pursue this matter, which is why we are reaching out to you. Dublin can exercise its influence and work with victims of terrorism to get all the facts exposed. Your Government can be seen as a force for good if it supports our demand and makes a stand with us on behalf of all the innocent victims in Northern Ireland, particularly those who still suffer grievously as a result of this appalling act.”

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In his letter, Mr Schmidt said: “It would appear that all those responsible for this heinous crime, although identified by one of the bombers, were never arrested or questioned.

“The pursuit of truth, justice and acknowledgement in this case warrants that, after 42 years, the victims of this barbaric act of terrorism and their families be provided with the identity of those involved and a full account of their involvement in ordering, planning and executing of this atrocity.”

Mr Schmidt said that pressure for a public inquiry from the taoiseach “would be seen as justified”.

The Irish government was invited to respond yesterday afternoon.

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Many of the 12 people who died were burned beyond recognition by an IRA incendiary bomb, which created a massive fireball.

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