Red Hand Commando formally applies to be legalised

The loyalist paramilitary group, the Red Hand Commando has made an application to be removed from a list of proscribed organisations.

The group formally ended its armed campaign in May 2007.

It applied to the Home Office on 6 September asking to be de-proscribed.

The Home Secretary Amber Rudd has 90 days to respond to the application.

In a statement, the Red Hand Commando defended its role during the Troubles.

“When coming from such a small area of concentrated conflict the transformation process is not an easy one. How we deal with it lies within the balance of leadership throughout the years of troubles into more peaceful times.”

However, Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said any move to legalise the Red Hand Commando was ludicrous and abhorrent.

“Why, would you have a paramilitary organisation working as a community group? And what does that say to the victims of this organisation if their status and their activities is to be somehow legitimised? I am sure victims would find that abhorrent.

In a statement, Mr Kelly questioned the links between the Red Hand Commando and the Ulster Volunteer Force which is blamed for hundreds of killings during the Troubles.

“These organisations are all still involved in criminal activity including extortion, drug dealing and murder. That activity is actually on the increase and just this week The Red Hand Commando’s partners in the UVF were blamed for a gun attack which targeted a bedroom with three young children in it.

The Progressive Unionist Party welcomed the statement from the Red Hand Commando.

“We understand the hurt that has been felt as a result of the troubles and we understand how difficult a step this may be for some. However, having shown “True and abject remorse” for its actions, those associated with the RHC have led by example in demobilising and reintegrating with the wider community.

“They have engaged in activities that promote and support peace, build capacity within their community and positively engaged in guiding the loyalist community away from violence and paramilitary activity. These actions should be encouraged and supported by all as part of our reconciliation process and serve as an example for other paramilitary organisations to follow."

The TUV Leader Jim Allister said the proposal would disgust and outrage victims of all terrorist groups.

"If, as they claim, they really have changed why would they want to be remain associated with a terrorist organisation which murdered people?

"Why retain your membership of an origination formed to kill and terrorise if you feel true remorse? Disbandment, not legalisation, is the response of genuine remorse."

A spokesperson for the UK government said: "Proscription decisions in relation to Northern Ireland are a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. As a general rule, however, we do not comment on individual organisations currently being considered for de-proscription."