The Irish government has initiated a legal challenge against the UK government over its controversial decision to offer immunity for Troubles-era crimes.
In September the Troubles Legacy Act received royal assent despite widespread opposition from victims' organizations, political parties in Northern Ireland, and human rights organizations.
Critics of the Act have emphasized that the law would remove access to justice. The Act will stop future civil cases, legacy inquests, and, criminal prosecutions during Northern Ireland's Troubles.
Amnesty International released a statement welcoming the Irish decision to pursue a legal challenge to the Act.
In the statement, Grainne Teggart, Amnesty International UK's Northern Ireland Deputy Director, stated "The Irish Government is doing the right thing for victims, for the rule of law and for the upholding of human rights". Teggart continued "Victims' right to truth, reparations, and justice must be realized".
Michael Martin, Ireland's deputy premier, and foreign affairs minister, said they are taking the case reluctantly as the UK government pursued the decision unilaterally.
Read more on BBC, the Irish News, and Amnesty International.
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