Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie MC, has called on the UK Government to seek the extradition from the USA of two suspects in the abduction, torture and murder of Captain Robert Nairac George Cross (GC) who have benefitted from On-the-Run (OTR) letters of comfort.

Doug Beattie MC said:

“The news that two IRA fugitives suspected of involvement in torturing and murdering Capt Robert Nairac have received ‘Comfort Letters’ will stick in the throat of many right minded people. Terry McCormick and Pat McGuire were wanted for questioning about the abduction, torture and murder of Capt Nairac and the hiding of his body. It has now been revealed the pair are among 187 On-the-Run (OTR) terrorists who have been given these letters, which are akin to an amnesty.

“When people talk about imbalance in the justice system around Troubles-related issues, there must be a recognition that these schemes - which were part of a secret side deal between Tony Blair’s Government and Sinn Fein – have helped create a Frankenstein legacy justice system in Northern Ireland. The bottom line is that OTR letters should never have been given out in the first place.

“I know the wanted status of those who benefitted from the OTR scheme is now being investigated by the PSNI Legacy Investigations Branch (LIB) and I urge the PSNI to make all efforts to complete their investigations as quickly as possible. 

“Capt Nairac’s body must be returned to his family for a Christian burial. Those involved in his abduction, torture and murder should give up their secrets and enable his body to be recovered. It is the very least they can do. If that requires an application for extradition to be made immediately to return suspects to Northern Ireland from the United States, then so be it.  

“The return of Capt Niarac’s body is a matter of basic common decency. The passage of time does not lessen the horror of the crime that was committed.”