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21 September 2007

The Community Relations Council was disturbed to learn that the Lisnaskea premises of the victim support group Firinne was destroyed last month in an arson attack and that this outrage has now been followed by death threats against the organisation’s co-ordinator Bernice Swift.

Attack Condemned

The Community Relations Council was disturbed to learn that the Lisnaskea premises of the victim support group Firinne was destroyed last month in an arson attack and that this outrage has now been followed by death threats against the organisation’s co-ordinator Bernice Swift. It is believed that a loyalist paramilitary group has claimed responsibility.

The Community Relations Council unreservedly deplores and condemns such attacks and threats as an attempt to return us to the sterile and pointless patterns of the recent past.

Firinne is one of over 60 victim support groups supported by the Community Relations Council in an effort to help heal the legacy of hurt and pain arising from almost four decades of violent conflict, particularly among those who have suffered most directly from it. Victims and survivors exist on all sides of the community.

“In a post-conflict environment dealing with the trauma left by past violence is a difficult enough task without victims and survivors having to experience new threats”, says CRC Chief Executive Duncan Morrow.

“Violence has been discredited as a way of dealing with our differences. All who wish to build a better future for themselves and their children in this country need to see this as a throwback to darker times.”

“There are uncomfortable realities for every one toface but by one group targeting another we cannot begin the journey to a peaceful and inclusive future. Sectarian threats are no substitute for facing the challenges of diversity and learning to live together.”

For further information

contact

Ray Mullan

CRC Director of Communications  

Tel 90-227500  email: rmullan@nicrc.org.uk