Sinn Féin criticizes UK's challenge to coroner's ruling

The UK government is planning to challenge a ruling that concluded SAS soldiers were not justified in killing four IRA members in 1992. Sinn Féin has called the government's actions "disgraceful." The ruling by coroner Mr. Justice Michael Humphreys stated that the soldiers lacked an honest belief in the need for lethal force. The four IRA members were shot after reportedly attacking a police station in Coalisland. Humphreys noted that the SAS did not try to arrest the IRA members and did not minimize the use of lethal force. On Friday, Conservative MP James Cartlidge announced that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will seek a judicial review of the coroner's finding. Cartlidge expressed his satisfaction with this decision, stating it would support veterans involved. In response, Sinn Féin MP Cathal Mallaghan criticized the government's move. He said it aims to deny families their right to truth and justice. Mallaghan emphasized that the coroner based his findings on facts and had directed the matter to the Public Prosecution Service. Mallaghan also raised concerns about the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), which is part of the controversial Legacy Act. He urged the government to repeal this act and restore independent judicial processes. He stressed that families prefer inquests as they ensure transparency and justice, free from government interference.