26/09/2022
A man involved in a terrorist group, who owned the gun that was used in several attacks and which killed the lesbian journalist Lyra McKee during a disturbance in Derry, Northern Ireland, has received a seven year sentence. Niall Sherrin is a twenty nine year old. American gay magazine The Advocate says that the splinter group the New Irish Republican Army had expressed regret that Ms McKee was killed in the crossfire between the dissident Republicans and the authorities. The group said “In the course of attacking the enemy Lyra McKee was tragically killed while standing beside enemy forces. The IRA offer our full and sincere apologies to the partner, family and friends of Lyra McKee for her death.” The authorities in Northern Ireland have not yet apprehended the man who actually fired the gun and killed Ms McKee. Nichola McKee-Corner, sister of Lyra McKee, spoke after the sentencing to issue another plea to those responsible. “We would again appeal to anyone who has information on the identity of the gunman to come forward and ensure there is justice for Lyra” she said. Most mainstream Republican factions have come in from the cold in recent decades, with Sinn Fein now a lively political party with a large LGBTQIA rights platform. However, dissident and fringe groups continue to create violence in Northern Ireland.
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