NUJ renews calls for independent investigation into O’Hagan murder
Following fresh allegations concerning the conduct of the police investigation, the National Union of Journalists has made a renewed call for an independent international investigation into the murder of Sunday World journalist and union activist, Martin O’Hagan in September 2001.
The BBC Spotlight programme to be broadcast tonight, will claim that police were given names of people said to have been involved in the murder within 48 hours, but did not act on the information.
According to the programme, an insider known as Witness A, met two detectives soon after the Loyalist Volunteer Force murder. It is understood he said he had been contacted and asked to go to a yard in Lurgan to help, as the murder gang got rid of the getaway car and other items. It is understood the witness named individuals he claimed were involved. The yard was not searched, and no one was arrested on foot of the information.
Séamus Dooley, NUJ assistant general secretary, said:
“The NUJ has consistently called for an independent, international investigation into the murder of Martin O’Hagan.
“These latest claims will re-enforce the belief of so many people that Martin O’Hagan’s murder has not been properly investigated because of collusion at a very high level between those responsible for his murder and those responsible for upholding law and order.
“The Spotlight team raise new questions and provide fresh impetus to our demand for a genuinely independent investigation of Martin O’Hagan’s murder. There are fundamental issues which must be addressed, and which cannot be swept under the carpet.”