The Law Society is backing calls for an independent judicial inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane ten years ago. The Law Society also demanded that the investigation into the murder of Lurgan solicitor Rosemary Nelson be conducted to the highest possible standard.
At its meeting last Friday, the first such meeting since the murder of Rosemary Nelson, the Society's Council unanimously passed a resolution to this effect, drawing attention to Basic Principle 16 of the United Nations 'Basic Principles on the role of lawyers'. This states that governments are obliged to ensure that lawyers can perform their professional duties 'without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference'.
The Council resolution added that the authorities, charged with investigating both murders, must command the respect and support of the entire community and of the legal profession.
