Fresh inquests are being held for the five Catholic men in Mid-Ulster killed by the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) over 30 years ago.
The victims, Sean Anderson, Thomas Armstrong, Dwayne O'Donnell, Thomas Casey and Phelim McNally were shot dead in four separate attacks across County Tyrone between November 1988 and March 1991.
Davina Bolton, daughter of Phelim McNally, says her father was an innocent man.
Family members have raised concerns that the killings, which were claimed by the UVF, may have involved soldiers from the Ulster Defence Regiment’s (UDR) 8th Battalion according to a report from the Historical Enquiries Team (HET).
Following the discovery of new information not previously considered, Attorney General Brenda King has ordered new inquests into the deaths.
Gavin Booth, acting solicitor for the men's families, says the cases were linked "through suspects, geography and ballistics", according to the BBC.
“New evidence raises serious questions, not only about the 8th Battalion of the Ulster Defence Regiment, but also the failure of the police to prosecute these individuals," he said.
He is calling for the inquests to take place urgently, to ensure they are heard prior to the implementation of the NI Troubles Legacy Bill – legislation that would end legal proceedings concerning Troubles-related conduct, including inquests. The bill said to “deliver better outcomes” for those affected by the Troubles and “promote reconciliation” is due to be instated in 2024.
