OPEN THE FILES

The 'Open the Files' campaign was initiated in Derry and Donegal but has rapidly gathered momentum. The families of those killed in controversial circumstances are demanding that the case files relating to the deaths of their loved ones be opened to the public.

However, they aren't receiving any compliance from British Direct Rule Victims Minister Mr Des Browne. In a 2003 letter to the families of two Derry children shot dead by the British army, he told them he was only writing to them out of "good will" and would not be investigating the deaths. In his letter to the families of 11 year old Stephen McConomy and 15 year old Daniel Hegarty, Mr Browne claimed that the RUC had already answered the relatives' concern in detail, despite the fact that no-one was ever prosecuted for either killing. He says "The information represents the last substansive response this office is expecting to make in relation to the details of your case".

Primary school pupil Stephen McConomy was shot in the head with a plastic bullet by a member of the Royal Anglian Regiment on Fahan Street in Derry in April 1982. He died a short time later. Daniel Hegarty was shot twice in the head by a member of the Royal Scots Regiment in Creggan Heights in Derry during 'Operation Motorman' on 31st July 1972. The soldiers involved, known only as 'A' and 'B' were never prosecuted.

The Troops Out Movement believe that Mr Des Browne is not worthy of the title 'Minister for Victims' and should resign in shame following his treatment of the families.

We fully support the families in their search for the truth surrounding the killings of their loved ones.