Northern Ireland’s Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act adds to victims' trauma in the “cruellest way” by denying them justice, Amnesty International has said. 

A ruling will be made in Belfast today on whether the Act contravenes the European Convention on Human Rights. 

Grounds for the legal challenge include provisions in the law for the cessation of police investigations and the potential for immunity from prosecution.

Amnesty International's Grainne Teggart said the case is being taken on behalf of all victims.

“The Troubles Act betrays victims in the cruellest way possible,” she said. 

“It only serves to add to their years of trauma; Amnesty had no hesitation in supporting victims in taking this case. 

“The judgement today matters not only to the victims who are in court and challenging this law directly - but also to every Troubles’ victim who will be impacted by this law.” 

'Draw a line'

The controversial Act became law in September and granted a conditional amnesty to those who are accused of killings during the Troubles. 

The legislation was opposed by all parties in Northern Ireland but former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said it will allow people to "draw a line under the Troubles".

The British Government said any further convictions would be highly unlikely given the passage of time since the conflict but the Irish Government announced a legal challenge in response. 

Sinn Féin has described the legislation as “cynical and cruel” and the DUP’s Emma Little-Pengelly said it "plays into the hands of those who want to airbrush the past".

Main image: Bloody Sunday remembrance and rally at Parliament Square in London. Picture by: Alamy.com