Ireland against the United Kingdom: this is news that will perhaps tarnish relations between the two countries. The Irish government files a lawsuit against the United Kingdom over the Legacy of the Troubles Act, which came into force on September 18. This law aims to drop charges against those who fought during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
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With our correspondent in Dublin, Clemence Pénard
This law grants a form of immunity to certain perpetrators of crimes committed during this period of Troubles. As a result, former British soldiers and paramilitaries involved in murders during Northern Ireland’s 30-year conflict could escape future civil trials or even just investigations.
For Micheal Martin, the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, this law on the legacy of the Troubles is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. It is also obviously contested by the families of Northern Ireland, victims directly affected, for whom it is quite simply a denial of justice.
What is also criticized in the United Kingdom is having legislated without involving the political parties. Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Prime Minister, said the government had been left with no option but to take the matter to court.
On the British side, the Minister responsible for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, strongly criticized Dublin’s decision, describing it as ” misguided “.
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