September 9, 1999
September 9, 1999
Contact HRF Communications (212) 845 5245 media@humanrightsfirst.org
NORTHERN IRELAND’S PATTEN REPORT ON POLICING:
Human Rights First Praises Constructive Recommendations, But Criticizes the Omission of Key Issues
New York, NY, September 9, 1999 -- In response to the Patten Report on Policing, which was released in Belfast this morning, Human Rights First stated that "while there are many constructive recommendations for future policing in Northern Ireland such as accountability, the report fails to address key issues."
"By neglecting to call for an end to emergency legislation, a thorough screening of officers for past abuses and a total ban on plastic bullets, the Commission missed an important opportunity," said Michael Posner, Executive Director of Human Rights First. "We hope these issues will be addressed in the consultation period over the coming weeks."
In a July submission, Human Rights First had encouraged the Commission to also address the issue of intimidation of lawyers, highlighted again this year with the murder of solicitor Rosemary Nelson, and is disappointed at the Commission’s failure to do so.