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full screen Northern Ireland First Minister in Northern Ireland Peter Robinsson. Archive image. Photo: Peter Morrison/AP/TT
The British amnesty law, which gives immunity to combatants in “the troubles”, is not compatible with the European Convention, according to a court in Belfast.
The law, which was approved by the British parliament in September, has been condemned by the families of the more than 3,500 people who died during the violence in Northern Ireland between 1969 and 1998.
It has also been met with strong political criticism in both Northern Ireland and Ireland, with all parties in both governments opposing it. However, the law has been welcomed by groups representing British veterans.
The law means, among other things, that those who cooperate with an independent commission for reconciliation cannot be prosecuted for any crimes during the decades of violence and unrest known as “the troubles”. In addition, the law would end all future criminal and civil prosecutions related to the conflict.
In its decision, the court in Belfast believes that there is no evidence that the law will contribute to reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
Following the court’s decision, it is now up to the British Parliament to decide whether the law should be changed.
As recently as January, the European Court received a notification from Ireland against Great Britain regarding the law.