Finucane killer released after less than three years of life sentence
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.A loyalist figure convicted of one of Belfast's most notorious killings has been released from jail after serving less than three years of a life sentence.
Ken Barrett, once a member of the paramilitary Ulster Defence Association, had pleaded guilty to the murder of Pat Finucane in 1989. The killing has long generated concern in legal and political circles, with indications emerging of involvement by security agencies, in particular military intelligence.
A legal inquiry has been announced into the affair, though critics complain that under new legislation its powers will be limited and much of its proceedings will be held in secret.
Barrett is expected to be spirited away to begin a life under a new identity, since he is considered to be under threat from his former associates. His release is in line with arrangements for the freeing of prisoners laid down in the Good Friday Agreement, which has meant that virtually all loyalist and republican prisoners have been allowed out.
Members of the Finucane family, who continue to campaign for a far-reaching inquiry into the case, raised no objection yesterday to the release. But they continue to say the projected investigation is "a sham".
Barrett's release was opposed by the Northern Ireland Secretary, Peter Hain, but was approved by the Sentence Review Commission , which apparently concluded that he posed no further public danger.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments