Ireland will take the United Kingdom to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) over a controversial amnesty for Troubles-era killers.
Dublin will argue that the Legacy Act is incompatible with human rights law in a rare inter-state case in the Strasbourg court.
The Act offers conditional immunity to people on both sides of the conflict. However, critics say it will rob victims of justice from the IRA or British forces.
Micheál Martin, Ireland’s deputy prime minister, said the decision to take legal action was taken with “much thought and careful consideration”.
“I regret that we find ourselves in a position where such a choice had to be made,” he said.
“The British Government enacted this legislation on Sept 18 2023, shutting off any possibility of political resolution. We now find ourselves in a space where our only recourse is to pursue a legal path.”
The Legacy Bill will stop new inquests and civil cases in an effective amnesty for the Troubles era. Instead, it set up the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.
Offered immunity
Killers will be offered immunity for providing information about murders, and families offered a report into the circumstances of their relatives’ deaths.
The Bill is opposed by all the major political parties in Northern Ireland, including the DUP and Sinn Fein. They argue that it will rob victims of justice from the IRA or British Armed Forces.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
