State Violence

PFC believe that the British state’s failure to uphold the principle that no one is above the law was the single greatest factor creating and prolonging the conflict in Ireland.

State Violence

While each and every party to the conflict in Ireland bears responsibility for the human rights abuses it inflicted over 35 years, the PFC believes the state has a special responsibility to admit its own illegal acts.

The PFC believes that, at a time of civil conflict, it is more important – rather than less – that the state upholds the principle underpinning every democratic state: that no-one is above the law. We believe that the British state’s failure to uphold this principle was the single greatest factor creating and prolonging the conflict in Ireland.

State Violence

We believe that through abuses such as state collusion, shoot-to-kill, the use of lethal force (e.g. the events of Bloody Sunday), plastic and rubber bullets and through its failure, through the courts, to hold state forces responsible, London abandoned its duty to its citizens and should now be held accountable.

Latest Articles

  • 'Comfortable in his Coffin'

    A 10 year-old Belfast boy was killed by a plastic bullet fired by a British soldier in 1975 - one of 17 people who died from this ammunition during The Troubles. A coroner has now slammed the Ministry of Defence for failing to change its Rules of Engagement in time.
  • 'The Impact on our Family was Colossal' Billy McGreanery

    This article by Kevin Mullen appeared in the Derry Journal on 19th September 2022 William McGreanery’s nephew says each time he is interviewed about his uncle he is transported back to his 13 year old self. “Everytime you are involved with an interview or something happens you have to take yourself...
  • 'I want the truth of my da's death' Jennifer Duffy

    No one was brought to justice for the death of Harry Duffy. Now his family fear new legacy legislation means no one ever will.
  • Statement from the family of John Pat Cunningham after the unveiling of a memorial to Dennis Hutchings at Palace Barracks

    This week (20.09.22) the PFC wrote to the NIO seeking a response to the two statements released by the family of John Pat Cunningham, reproduced below. At the family's request we have asked the new Secretary of State, Chris Heaton -Harris, for a response. STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY OF JOHN PAT...
  • Kathleen Thompson Inquest Verdict

    Firing of two shots by Soldier D- 'Unjustified' Following of the delivery of the Coroner’s findings in the Kathleen Thompson inquest, Fearghal Shiels of Madden & Finucane said: “This is yet another clear illustration that the inquest system is capable of achieving the truth for families seeking...

Declassified Documents

  • The "Hooded Men"- Irish State case

    In 1978 the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) held that the British government had violated Article 3 of the European Commission on Human Rights in their treatment of 14 men in 1971. These "Hooded Men" had been selected for 5 techniques of "Deep Interrogation" - white noise, wall standing/ stress positions, sleep deprivation, bread and water diet, and hooding...
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