21/04/2009

Probe Call Over Dwyer Killing

The death of an Irish citizen in disputed circumstances in South America may be the subject of a major investigation.

The family of the dead man, Michael Dwyer, have issued a fresh statement after the Government's call yesterday for an international probe into the shooting.

Relatives of the 24-year-old man - who was killed by security forces in Bolivia - say they are now "relieved and comforted" that his body is in the hands of Irish authorities.

Now the full facts are set to be investigated while Mr Dwyer's relatives are awaiting final documentation for repatriation and the process is expected to be completed by the end of the week.

Martin and Caroline Dwyer are meanwhile said to be "focused on getting their son back home".

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin said the Dwyer family deserved to know the full facts about his death.

He said he wanted a panel, with an Irish person on it, to investigate.

"We have noted that the Bolivian president himself has suggested an international panel of inquiry be established to facilitate an investigation," the minister said.

"There is a precedent for that and that is something that we would be pushing for at this stage.

"We will be seeking that if such a panel emerges, that there will be an Irish person on it," he said.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen has also commented and said his thoughts were "very much" with the family.

Tributes were paid to the 24-year-old, who graduated last autumn with an honours degree in construction management and worked part-time as a doorman in Galway city before going abroad, apparently for work in private security.

See: Photograph May Be A Key To Bolivia Death

(BMcC/KMcA)

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