Bellaghy, Northern Ireland – The family of Sean Brown, a Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) official who was murdered in 1997, is accusing the government of deliberately stalling legal proceedings to avoid a public inquiry into his death. The coroner had halted an inquest into Brown’s murder back in March, citing national security concerns and requesting a public inquiry.
Instead of complying with the request for a public inquiry, the government has decided to take legal action to challenge the inquest findings. Brown’s family views this move as an attack on the truth and the independence of the judiciary. They expressed concerns that the government is trying to prolong the legal process to delay accountability.
The family’s solicitor issued a statement condemning the government’s actions, stating that the Browns are prepared to take their own legal action if necessary. Sean Brown, 61, was abducted and murdered by the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) while locking the gates of the GAA club where he worked.
Coroner Mr. Justice Patrick Kinney had to suspend the inquest due to withheld intelligence material on national security grounds. He called for a public inquiry into Brown’s death but was met with government opposition, leading to the current legal battle. The government’s challenge is believed to center around information revealed during the inquest concerning state agents and a breach of the neither confirm nor deny (NCND) policy.
The government’s move to contest the inquest findings has sparked outrage from the Brown family, who view it as an attempt to deny them justice. The family also criticized the Troubles Legacy Act, which aims to halt civil litigation and inquests related to Northern Ireland’s violent past. The Act has faced opposition from various political parties and victims’ groups.
Despite the government’s efforts to delay a decision on a public inquiry, both the PSNI and GAA have supported calls for further investigation into the murder of Sean Brown. The family remains determined to seek justice for their loved one and hold accountable those responsible for his tragic death.