Speaking after todays Policing Board meeting that discussed the HMIC report into the HET Relatives for Justice Director, Mark Thompson, issued the following statement:
“Families bereaved through the conflict came here today with a clear message that the HET was beyond reform.
“Policing Board members welcomed the families and received a letter and short submission on the HET which clearly spelt out that message. The submission represents the views of over 300 families.
“Relatives representing over 40 of the families then listened to the public session of todays meeting.
“We believe that message was most definitely heard today. After being quizzed about the HMIC report and recommendations by Board members it is now clear that the Chief Constable is no longer defending the HET.
“PSNI Chief Matt Baggott said that everything was on the table and referenced on several occasions the option of suspending the HET entirely.
‘We believe that following the damning HMIC report this is the only option.
“We urge Policing Board members and Matt Baggott to now do the right thing by suspending the HET making the space for the creation of a proper investigative process.
‘The HET is in the way of progress towards truth and accountability.” ENDS
Editors notes: A full copy of the letter and submission presented by the families is on our website www.relativesforjustice.com
