Lyra McKee’s sister calls for justice as vigils mark third anniversary of journalist’s murder
The sister and partner of murdered journalist Lyra McKee have visited the spot in Londonderry where she died, to mark the third anniversary of her killing.
Friends and colleagues have held vigils on Easter Monday to celebrate the 29-year-old’s life and legacy, gathering at Guildhall Square in Derry and on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast.
Lyra McKee died after being shot by dissident republicans while she observed rioting at Fanad Drive in the Creggan in April 2019.
No one has yet been convicted of her murder, but an extremist group styling itself the New IRA has previously claimed it was responsible.
The journalist’s sister Nichola Corner told the vigil in Derry that her family are still waiting for justice.
“Three years ago, our sister Lyra McKee was murdered here in this city, and still three years on, we are waiting for justice for Lyra,” she said.
“The person who pulled the trigger of the gun that led to her death still walks these streets, and while they walk these streets, these streets will not be safe for the people of this city.
“We appeal to anyone with information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for our sister’s death, we appeal to them to come forward. It’s never too late.”
She added: “We want to thank all the people who have come to honour Lyra and to remember her as a journalist, as a human being, and as a person who loved this city.
“We hope that you’ll continue to keep Lyra in your hearts and in your minds in a very dignified way.”
Ms McKee’s family have also questioning the timing of a republican parade linked with dissidents that went ahead on the anniversary of their loved one’s murder, to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising.
It was connected to the group Saoradh which is accused of having links with the New IRA.
The Parades Commission had ruled that no paramilitary-style clothing be worn in the procession.
Ms Corner questioned why the event could not have been held on a different day, pointing out the date of Easter changes every year.
“When we objected to this parade taking place, it was on the grounds of the date alone, not on the grounds of marching," she told the PA news agency.
“Had they marched on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, we wouldn’t have cared.
“It is insulting to go forth on Lyra’s anniversary, to do a parade of this nature honouring other dead. It’s in really bad taste.”
Ms McKee’s partner Sara Canning added: “We’re here to honour someone we loved, and they’re there to honour people who died 106 years ago.
“That’s my personal take on it and why I think it’s in such bad taste.”
In Belfast, a new banner in memory of Ms McKee was unveiled on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral where then Prime Minister Theresa May, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Irish President Michael D Higgins were among those who attended her funeral in 2019.
Chair of the NUJ’s Belfast & District Branch Robin Wilson said: “Sadly, as we mark Lyra’s anniversary, we must reflect on the fact that many journalists in Northern Ireland still work under threat of violence.
“The state has too often failed in its duty to protect journalists and citizens at large from the scourge of paramilitarism and from intimidation at the hands of extremists.
“The NUJ repeats its call for Lyra McKee’s killers to be brought justice and for the government and its agencies, including the PSNI, to ensure the safety of our members.
“As ever, our thoughts on Lyra’s anniversary will be with her sister Nichola, her partner Sara, and her wider circle of family and friends.”
Police have also made a fresh appeal for information to bring those responsible for Lyra McKee’s murder to justice.
Detectives say they have made 30 arrests and nine people have been charged to date - three with murder and six with public order offences.