THE British government has been accused of “playing God” over the handling of the agent known as 'Stakeknife'.
The comments came after renewed claims about the IRA mole's activities were made on a BBC Panorama programme this week.
In 2003 Belfast man Freddie Scappaticci was alleged to be Stakeknife, believed to be the British army's highest ranking agent within the IRA.
He strongly denies the allegations.
Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Jon Boutcher is currently carrying out an investigation into Stakeknife’s activities codenamed Operation Kenova.
As head of ‘internal security’ for the IRA, Stakeknife had access to details about IRA operations and the people involved.
Director of Public Prosecutions Barra McGrory has said Stakeknife has been linked to at least 18 murders, including those of other informers and agents.
Some have linked him to as many as 30 murders, while others believe the true number is much less.
It has also been alleged that people may have been allowed to die in order to protect the agent.
During the programme it was claimed that Stakeknife tipped off his handlers about the execution of west Belfast informer Joe Fenton (35) in February 1989, but they failed to save his life.
It was also alleged that a British army report suggests a police officer advised Stakeknife's handlers to arrange an alibi for him after suspected informer Sandy Lynch was rescued in 1990.
Solicitor Kevin Winters, who represents relatives of some of the people believed to have been killed as a result of Stakeknife’s actions, has said “Kenova will be seen as a barometer for the state’s resolve to address the legacy of the conflict”.
Relatives for Justice director Mark Thompson last night said responsibility for the agent's activities rests with the British government.
“The bottom line was that the British government were playing God,” he said.
“They were deciding who lived and who died and that is totally unacceptable.
“The British government have responsibility and they need to be accountable through a process that is open, transparent and independent to provide accountability to the families.”
Mr Thompson, who has also investigated the activities of Stakeknife, claimed the British government deliberately had no policy on how agents and informers should be handled during the Troubles.
“The absence of rules is the policy that allowed this to happen.”
In response to the claims, a UK government spokesperson said: "It would not be appropriate to comment."
During the programme it was also revealed that Mr McGrory decided his then deputy Pamela Atchison would not be involved in decision-making after reviewing a 2006 case involving Freddie Scappaticci.
It is claimed he had signed an affidavit denying he was Stakeknife during a failed attempt to force the British government to confirm he was not the agent, and the the PPS later decided not to prosecute him for perjury.
Pamela Atchison, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, retired from her post as deputy director at the end of last month in line with her contract.
Her lawyer said this week she has "an exemplary and unimpeachable record as a prosecutor" and has "at all times acted appropriately and responsibly in relation to this matter".
Mr Thompson said he raised concerns about the matter with Mr McGrory last year.
