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McAreavey photos 'a new low'

The publication of crime scene photographs of murdered honeymooner Michaela McAreavey's body by a Mauritian newspaper marks a new low, her family have said.

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Irish deputy PM to meet Irish Ambassador to Mauritius

Ireland's deputy prime minister, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, will meet the Irish Ambassador to Mauritius, Brendan McMahon, to discuss the publication of the images.

He said he was shocked by the pictures and hoped to bring the issue to the attention of authorities in Mauritius.

This is a deeply distressing development for the families of Michaela and John and demonstrates a total lack of respect for their feelings and rights.

The Government is determined to make a strong protest about this matter to the Government of Mauritius.

My Department will continue to be available to offer support and advice to the families of Michaela and John and will assist them in any way we can.

– Ireland's deputy prime minister Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore

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Martin McGuinness: McAreavey images 'cannot be justified in any way'

"The decision of the newspaper in Mauritius to publish crime scene photographs, including pictures of Michaela's body is an outrageous abuse that cannot be justified in any way.

"People in Mauritius need to realise that the eyes of the international community are firmly focused on their country and their justice system in the wake of the brutal murder of Michaela and the absolute failure to deliver justice for John McAreavey and the rest of family.

"This case will not simply go away as some in Mauritius seem to hope. I can assure the Mauritian authorities that people in Ireland will continue to keep a focus on this case until justice is done."

– Stormont Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness

Irish PM: McAreavey photographs a 'gross affront to human dignity'

Irish Taioseach Enda Kenny has condemned the publication of crime scene photographs of murdered newlywed Michaela McAreavey's body by a Mauritian newspaper.

Mr Kenny said:

"The publication of these images represents an appalling invasion of privacy and is a gross affront to human dignity.

"There are issues of fundamental human rights in question in relation to this deeply upsetting matter.

"This reprehensible act can only add to the pain and suffering of the McAreavey and Harte families and our thoughts and sympathies are again with them at this time.

"On behalf of the people of Ireland, the Government will be lodging a formal complaint in the strongest possible terms, with the government of Mauritius."

– Irish Taioseach Enda Kenny

Publication of Michaela McAreavey crime scene photographs 'a new low'

John McAreavey and Michaela McAreavey on their wedding day Credit: Paul Faith/PA Wire

The publication of crime scene photographs of murdered newlywed Michaela McAreavey's body by a Mauritian newspaper marks a new low, her family have said.

Mrs McAreavey was killed while on honeymoon with her husband John at the Legends Hotel in Mauritius in January last year.

Last week, two men were acquitted of her murder after an eight-week trial.

The country's Sunday Times, a paper with no connection to any British or Irish company, used images of the hotel room crime scene where Mrs McAreavey was killed.

A statement from members of the couple's family said:

"As the families struggle to come to terms with the result from the trial - this action by the newspaper is not only insensitive to their grief but marks another low in the treatment of John, the two families and the dignity of Michaela."

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