RUC defended by minister
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE GOVERNMENT yesterday rejected calls to withdraw all RUC officers from the investigation into the murder of Rosemary Nelson, a Belfast solicitor.
Mrs Nelson's husband, Paul, demanded the move after an official report criticised the way police had investigated death threats to the lawyer before her killing. The Independent Commission on Police Complaints found officers investigating the threats to be "hostile, evasive and disinterested".
But Lord Dubs, a Northern Ireland Office minister, said the RUC was best qualified for the murder hunt, which is headed by David Phillips, Chief Constable of Kent.
Mrs Nelson, who had three children and represented many prominent nationalists, died when dissident loyalists blew up her car in her home town of Lurgan, Co Armagh, last week.
Mr Nelson, the SDLP and Sinn Fein have all called for an independent inquiry. Many solicitors and several human rights organisations are supporting the demand.
The RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, defended his officers, saying they were innocent until proved guilty.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments