People have the chance to have their say on plans to release an interim report of Kenova's findings which it aims to publish before the end of 2022.
Kenova is currently investigating and reviewing a number of historic offences which occurred during the Troubles including more than 200 murders as well as offences of kidnap and torture. Former Chief Constable Jon Boutcher who leads the unit has today (Thursday) laid out his plans for releasing an interim report which will address high level themes and issues concentrating on findings of the three key investigations.
This report will focus on what was, and was not, happening between organisations; the Provisional IRA and its Internal Security Unit, the police, armed forces, intelligence services and their agents and informants. In particular the report will focus on the organisation that committed these awful murders, state intervention or otherwise, and whether steps were, or were not, taken before serious criminal conduct was carried out or subsequent to it to prevent a full investigation.
Consultation into the proposed reports protocol was officially launched today, allowing 30 days for people to feedback on the plans before it closes at 4pm on 29 October.
Mr Boutcher said: "At the very outset of Kenova I made a promise to all the affected families that I would produce a public-facing report outlining our findings to give them the truth of what happened to their loved ones, including who was involved and in what capacity. After five years, and with more than 30 files with the Public Prosecution Service NI for consideration, we are now in a position to start preparing for the interim report’s release. The reports content will hold great importance to all of those who were involved.
"I’m keen to stress the protocol is a process map only. It says nothing about the contents or outcome of any report. I am acutely conscious that different stakeholders with different perspectives are concerned that our reports will say either too much, or too little. The aim of the protocol is to ensure that we do neither. I am committed to finding and reporting the truth openly and transparently and without fear or favour towards any party. I simply need to find a process which will allow me to do this fairly and lawfully."
Kenova plan to have finalised the protocol by November 2021; with the interim report due to be released within 12 months of the protocol being agreed.
Submissions can be made via email to kenova@met.police.uk; and/or by post to Operation Kenova, c/o National Crime Agency, PO Box 8000, London, SE11 5EN.
You can view the draft Kenova reports protocol by clicking this link