'We didn't kill Claudy farmer'
The INLA have denied any involvement in the murder of Claudy sheep farmer Patrick Devine in September 2004.
The organisation's leadership has rejected claims that its members were paid to kill the farmer as part of local dispute. The INLA has claimed the shooting was carried out by mainstream republicans.
Their statement reads: "It has been alleged by those closely associated with Provisional Sinn Fin that the INLA was involved in a contract killing in the North West of a sheep farmer. We utterly refute this accusation. Indeed, we would go so far as to say those who made the accusation should look closer to home."
In its statement, the INLA also denies that it is involved in drug dealing or criminality. Referring to the killing of two alleged drug dealers in Derry, including the murder of Jim McConnell in Prehen last month, the group says: "The INLA has no involvement in the drugs trade. We have taken action against those who use the name of the INLA as a cover for their own rotten drug dealing and will do so in the future, if necessary."
The INLA leadership also claims that a number of its senior members in Dublin have been "stood down" as part of an internal investigation into the drugs trade.
The INLA also dismissed speculation that it has been co-operating with other armed republican groups. "We are not and will not be in any military alliance with other armed republican organisations," the statement reads.
The organisation also says it poses no threat to loyalists and remains committed to "political as opposed to military activity." "Any actions we take or have taken are to defend the integrity of our movement, protect our membership and ensure working class communities are defended. We pose no threat to loyalist or unionist working class communities."
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Weather for Derry
Thursday 23 May 2013
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