A VICTIM of the Sean Graham Bookmaker's massacre has said legal action launched by retired police officers has "prolonged the agony and the pain" of grieving relatives.
Mark Sykes was speaking as relatives and friends of the dead gathered on Sunday to remember the atrocity.
Five people died when the UDA/UFF burst into the Ormeau Road bookmakers in south Belfast and opened fire on February 5 1992.
Those killed were Peter Magee (18), James Kennedy (15), Christy Doherty (51), William McManus (54) and Jack Duffin (66).
Seven people were also injured in the attack.
During Sunday's event family flowers were laid and the rosary was recited for the those killed on the day and for the five survivors who have since passed away.
An investigation into the atrocity by the Police Ombudsman published last year found there
was "collusive behaviour" by the RUC.
Among her Operation Achille findings, which examined 11 murders, Marie Anderson highlighted failures to warn two men that their lives were under threat.
* Confirmed the deliberate destruction of files relating to the attack at Sean Graham bookmakers
* The failure of RUC Special Branch to pass on information to investigators.
* Unjustifiable and continued use by Special Branch of informants involved in serious criminality, including murder and the passive "turning a blind eye" to such activities.
The Northern Ireland Retired Police Officers Association (RPOA) has since launched a legal challenge to Operation Achille and other reports.
Mr Sykes last night said this has added to the pain and suffering of relatives.
The father-of-four was hit twice in the left arm and one in the right during the massacre and still has a bullet in his body near his heart.
"The families campaigned for 30 years for truth and justice about the death of their loved ones, they were vindicated last year," he said
"Families are continuing to suffer as a result."
The NIRPOA was contacted.
There was anger in 2021 when Mr Sykes was arrested during a small family commemoration outside the bookmaker's shop.
Mr Sykes, who is a brother-in-law of Peter Magee, was handcuffed and taken away by police.
It happened amid strict Covid-19 rules. He has since been told he will not be prosecuted.
Prosecutors also decided that no charges would be brought against two police officers over the incident.
Solicitor Niall Murphy addressed the British government's contentious Legacy Bill and said families deserved to know the truth.
"That they couch this legislation in the language of reconciliation is truly shameful."
A spokesman for the NIO said: "The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy & Reconciliation) Bill will establish an Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) to conduct reviews into Troubles-related deaths and serious injury, with the primary objective of providing information to families, and victims and survivors. The Commission will have all the necessary powers to conduct criminal investigations as part of any review, in order to comply with the Government's international obligations under the ECHR.
"The Government has tabled a number of amendments during committee stage in the House of Lords that seek to address a number of key issues raised by stakeholders. We will continue to engage constructively with all interested parties, and to carefully consider how their concerns might be addressed as the Bill proceeds through Parliament.
"The UK Government is determined to deliver better outcomes for those most affected by the Troubles, while helping society to look forward."
