One of the first people killed in the Troubles has been remembered during a series of events in Derry.
Samuel Devenny died 50 years ago yesterday - three months after he was beaten by RUC officers at his home in William Street in April 1969.
The 42-year-old’s death came days after pensioner Francis ‘Pól Beag’ McCloskey (66) died after a baton charge in Dungiven, County Derry.
The men are regarded as the first two victims of the Troubles which broke out in 1969.
A special Mass to remember Mr Devenny was held last night at St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry.
This was followed by a minute’s silence at a memorial in Willliam Street.
A reception was then held during which as short film made by Mr Devenny’s family was screened.
An investigation into the assault on him was carried out in 1970 by the Metropolitan Police but the results have never been made public.
The Metropolitan Police have refused to release a report until at least 2022.
Mr Devenny’s son Harry said his family wants to know what happened.
"Why are they still refusing to give us those files after 50 years?" he said.
"We are not asking for names or looking for prosecutions - we just want the report and they refuse to do it."
He said his family will continue its campaign.
"Even on our worst days, we are never going to give up, we are never going to go away,” he told the BBC.
It has now emerged that Mr Devenny’s death was discussed by the Stormont government on August 28 1969.
Historian Dr Éamon Phoenix said that during a discussion about a report into the death concern was expressed that police enquiries had produced “no positive results”.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the Devenny family said the family should be given access to information.
“The way this family has been treated is grossly insensitive and unfair but sadly it’s a common theme as the apparatus of the British State continues to resist disclosure of documents which could provide a degree of truth for victims. The families of all victims deserve access to truth, justice and accountability."
