Three men have gone on trial for the murder of Irish journalist Lyra McKee in Londonderry in 2019. Peter Cavanagh, Jordan Devine, and Paul McIntyre are accused of murder and other charges, including possession of a firearm and throwing a petrol bomb. Belfast Crown Court heard that McKee died after being struck by a bullet while observing rioting in the Creggan area. The New IRA later admitted responsibility for her death.
During the trial, the court heard that four gunshots were fired that night by a masked man and were the “culmination of orchestrated disorder.” The defendants also face charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent, while McIntyre is additionally charged with membership of a proscribed organisation. Seven other men from Derry are also facing trial on a number of charges, including rioting and throwing a petrol bomb.
McKee was a well-respected journalist who wrote about the Northern Ireland conflict and its aftermath. Her death sparked outrage across the world, with many calling for an end to the violence that has plagued the region for decades. In the wake of her murder, there were renewed calls for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
The trial is ongoing, and it is unclear when it will conclude. The case has attracted widespread media attention, and many are hoping for a just and fair outcome. McKee’s family and friends have also called for justice and have urged the authorities to do everything in their power to ensure that those responsible for her death are held to account
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More