DUP demands ‘victims’ must not include perpetrators

THE Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has called for the definition of a victim to be changed so that an innocent victim of a bomb plot is not placed in the same legal category as a terrorist bomb-maker injured in a blast.

Arlene Foster, the leader of the DUP, issued the plea as she expressed “major concerns” about the Northern Ireland Office’s planned legislation addressing the legacy of the Troubles.

Mrs Foster said: “The Government should bring forward plans now to change the definition of a victim so there is a clear distinction made between perpetrators and victims.

“We believe this could improve the existing climate and context and offer the best prospect of new bodies proving successful.”

A consultation addressing the legacy of Northern Ireland’s past violence is closing, with bodies suggested including an Historical Investigations Unit to seek criminal prosecutions and an information retrieval organisation.

Mrs Foster added that without significant amendment any new legislation would not meet the objective of properly addressing the legacy of Northern Ireland’s past. “The DUP considers the best opportunity for justice to come from an investigatory team with full police powers,” she said.

“It is important that any new structures would be proportionate given that 90 per cent of deaths were caused by terrorists, and there should be an end to witch hunts against those in the forces of law and order who acted bravely, honourably and appropriately.”

Linda Dillon, a Sinn Féin MLA, said she backed the current definition of a victim that dates back to 2006, adding that all should be equal under the law.