28 Sep 2011, 17:50
Members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs & Trade today met with members of the family of Michael Dwyer, who was killed by Bolivian Police in Santa Cruz in April 2009, to hear an update on the case. Also present were the 3 TDs representing Tipperary North, Michael Lowry TD., Noel Coonan TD., and Alan Kelly TD.
The Committee heard that the family have made a submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, requesting an investigation into the extra judicial execution of Michael Dwyer.
The family also commissioned an expert forensic technical report into their sons killing. This report along with the findings of and conclusion of State Pathologist, Dr. Marie Cassidy's report, show without any doubt, that Michael Dwyer was unarmed and executed.
Speaking after the meeting, Committee Chairman Pat Breen TD., said that the Committee was fully supportive of the family's request for a full independent international investigation into the events that led to the death of their son. \"This is a truly tragic case. To lose a family member in these circumstances is unimaginable and in addition to having our deepest sympathy, the family will have our full support in their quest for answers\", Deputy Breen said.
He went on to say, \"I will be raising the matter with the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, requesting that he exert pressure on the Bolivian Government to ensure that the investigation is expedited without any further delays. I will also be raising the issue with the Bolivian Ambassador in London, the Irish Ambassador in Buenos Aires, and at EU level, with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton, when she visits Dublin in the near future\".
ENDS/