- Written by Julian O’Neill
- BBC News NI Crime and Justice Correspondent
Fred Scappatici denied being an army agent within the IRA
Two military veterans in charge of the army agents within the IRA known as Stakeknife will not be charged in connection with a number of kidnappings and murders.
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) claimed there was insufficient evidence.
It also ruled that two people who were members of the IRA at the time of the attack in the early 1980s would not be charged with any offence.
The report investigated Stakeknife’s activities and the Army’s role within the IRA’s internal security forces, which were responsible for the killing of the alleged informant.
PPS said the decision covers 10 cases between 1981 and 1984, including four killings of suspected IRA spies.
The victim’s name was not released “to avoid further trauma” to the victim’s family.
The main charges against the Army veteran include failing to take “precautionary measures” regarding the activities of the operatives.
It also claimed that he allowed Stakeknife to “participate in activities beyond those permitted by the relevant guidance.”
Evidence is “insufficient”
Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Herron said the evidence against all four men was insufficient “to offer a reasonable prospect of guilt”.
Paying tribute to the victims’ relatives, he said: “We appreciate that today’s decision will no doubt cause upheaval and pain.
“We can reassure you that these decisions have been considered fairly and completely independently by a team of experienced senior prosecutors.
“All victims and families involved in the case will receive a detailed written explanation of the reasons for the decision and an offer to meet.”
image source, Public Prosecutors Office
Stephen Herron said the evidence against the four was “insufficient”
Sir Ian Livingstone, head of Operation Kenova, said he could stress that the PPS decision was about an individual “complementing the activities of the Army agent, code-named Stakeknife, who are the focus of the operation”. said it was important.
He added: “Our position remains that Mr. Kenova has presented strong and convincing evidence as to who he is.
“Investigating and prosecuting estates can be extremely difficult and we understand that today’s decision will be deeply disappointing.
“We remain committed to communicating the truth to families affected by these decisions through interim and final Kenova reports, as well as individual family reports detailing our findings. is.”
“Not a good day for justice.”
KRW Law said in a statement that it was not surprised by the decision and had requested a reconsideration by PPS.
A Belfast solicitor’s office acted in one of the cases involving an ex-soldier.
“The detailed notice issued by the PPS aims to explain why the decision not to prosecute was taken.
“We reject that explanation,” they said.
“They fell short of what was expected in terms of detailed analysis and raised more questions than answers. This is not a good day for justice.”
This decision is the latest reached by PPS regarding Operation Kenova.
Further decisions on all remaining cases are expected to be made later this month, before the investigation reports are released on March 8.