Journalist’s partner Lyra McKee described the dissident Republican parade in Derry today, the third anniversary of her assassination, as a “mass slap in the face”.
The 29-year-old journalist was shot dead on April 18, 2019, while watching the riots in Londonderry.
The new IRA later acknowledged responsibility for her death.
The group’s political wing, known as Saoradh, will march through the city today ahead of a wreath-laying ceremony at the City Cemetery, in a parade that could attract up to 2,000 people. Organizers opposed calls to change the date of the march.
No one has yet been convicted of killing Ms. McKee.
Today, her family and partner Sarah Cunning gathered for a vigil at the site of Fanad Drive, where she was shot.
Image: Father Jospeh Gormley says prayers to Lyra McKee’s family and friends after laying wreaths at the place where she was killed
Speaking to Sky News, Ms Cunning said the parade had made the anniversary “much more difficult” and said it showed a “lack of respect” for Ms. McKee’s relatives.
“If they had moved the date, I would never have said anything,” she said.
“But the fact that they insisted on continuing this march when they could say out of respect for McKee’s family, ‘We’ll move this to Easter Saturday or Tuesday,’ instead they continued with it, and I acted if it was just OK. “
“It’s a huge slap in the face and extremely disrespectful.”
Image: Sarah Cunningham says the Republican march is a “huge slap in the face”
Ms. McKee’s sister, Nicholas McKee Corner, said any paramilitary demonstration at today’s parade would “show them what they really are, and it really is.” The whole world will see what they really are and they will have made the police work for them. “
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) says their investigation remains “very active” and they have issued a new call for information before the anniversary.
Three people have been charged with the murder of Ms McKee and six others with related public order violations. Thirty arrests were made by police.
The family reiterated this call for information today.
Image: Lyra McKee was shot and killed in Londonderry in 2019.
Ms Cunning said she was still waiting for justice for Lyra. We have seen many arrests, many people accused, there are people accused of her murder, but none of them is the man who pulled the trigger that night.
“I was standing here next to her that night and I want this man to be behind bars. I want them to feel justice and for us to achieve peace of justice. It won’t bring Lyra back, it won’t do anything to help us specifically, but just let them know they’re getting what they deserve. “
Ms. McKee Corner said the killers “took precious lives.” Our precious sister, Sarah’s precious partner, and our mother’s little baby. The person who did this must be behind bars. “
Add Comment