Northern Ireland

Ballymurphy relative Carmel Quinn tours America

Ballymurphy massacre relative Carmel Quinn is currently touring America
Ballymurphy massacre relative Carmel Quinn is currently touring America Ballymurphy massacre relative Carmel Quinn is currently touring America

THE sister of Ballymurphy massacre victim John Laverty has said he was killed because he was an "Irish Catholic".

Carmel Quinn is currently taking part in a tour of America, which coincides with the opening of the inquest into the 1971 killings this week.

The campaigner has held a series of engagements during the tour and was hosted at a reception at the Irish embassy in Washington last night.

Speaking to those present, Ms Quinn said her mother's wish was to see the truth told.

"My Mummy wanted the world to know her son posed no threat," she said.

"He was murdered because he was an Irish Catholic.

"Our quest is for truth and accountability and to correct the historical record of these unjust murders."

The US tour has been coordinated by the Ancient Order of Hibernians with Relatives for Justice.

Relatives for Justice spokesman Mark Thompson said: "US support for the Ballymurphy families, and all other families affected by state violence, has been crucial in challenging the lies, propaganda and impunity surrounding these killings".

AOH spokesman Martin Galvin last night said: "The Ballymurphy massacre inquest will be a fundamental test of Britain's ability to give legacy justice".