Ross Hussey MLA met with the Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers in Killen, outside Castlederg today, highlighting some of the issues faced by victims of the Troubles in the area.
Ross said:
“The Secretary of State visited Killen, outside Castlederg today at my invitation to meet with Derg Valley Victims Voice. The Chair of the group gave Ms Villiers an overview of 29 murders in the Castlederg area during the Troubles and some family members who were present recounted their own personal experiences and described the loss and hurt they felt.’
“The Republican commemoration parade through the town on the 11th of August was discussed and how it reopened old wounds for many in the area. The concerns over the border being used as a means of escape during the Troubles were also raised, with the Secretary of State being reminded of the recent comments by the Tánaiste in relation to this.’
“Finally we had a discussion around the definition of a victim. I expressed my desire to see the definition of a victim implemented as outlined in the proposed European Directive on establishing minimum standards for the rights, support and protection of victims of crime.’