The first hearing of a public inquiry into the murder of prominent Belfast solicitor Patrick Finucane is set to take place next month. The 39-year-old was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast in 1989 by the Ulster Defence Association, an attack found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.
Long Campaign for Justice
Mr Finucane’s widow, Geraldine, and the couple’s three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement. In 2024, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn announced the UK Government would establish an independent inquiry into the circumstances of Mr Finucane’s death.
Inquiry Chair Appointed
Last June, the Government announced senior judge Sir Gary Hickinbottom as chairman of the inquiry. On Tuesday, the Patrick Finucane Inquiry confirmed it will hold its first preliminary hearing in June 2026.
Details of the Hearing
The hearing, which will take place in Belfast on June 10, has been described as a “procedural hearing which will provide an opportunity to introduce the public to the inquiry.” A spokesperson stated: “In particular, the chair will consider practical issues relating to the conduct of the inquiry’s investigation and future hearings.” The hearing is set to be live streamed for those who wish to watch the proceedings online.
This marks a significant step in the long-awaited probe into one of Northern Ireland’s most controversial killings during the Troubles.
