The surviving ‘hooded men’ who say they were tortured at Co Derry British Army base in 1971
The PSNI apologised to the Hooded Men days before the death of Joe Clarke.
In a a statement, Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Saunders, Head of the PSNI’s Legacy Investigation & Disclosure Branch said: “The Police Service has written to a number of individuals, including the late Mr Clarke, and the next of kin of deceased individuals of the ‘Hooded Men’.
“In this letter, we have acknowledged the findings of the United Kingdom Supreme Court that, by today’s standards, the treatment of these men at that time would likely be characterised as torture.
“The Police Service of Northern Ireland has formally apologised for the actions and omissions of police officers involved in their treatment whilst in police custody in 1971.
“The Police Service recognise the significant step taken today in issuing this apology. It is our view that this was the right thing to do to help give the ‘Hooded Men’ and their families recognition about how they were treated.”
Mr Eastwood has now called on the British Government and British Army to follow suit and formally apologise to the men who were tortured.
Said the Foyle MP: “Today’s apology for the Hooded Men from the PSNI is another step forward in their long, difficult battle for truth and justice.
“I appreciate this apology coming before the death of Joe Clarke so that he could achieve some form of closure after years of campaigning for the apology that was so deserved after what he and his fellow victims went through.
“These men and their families have waited 52 years for this apology and others have unfortunately passed away without seeing it.
“An apology from the PSNI is an essential step towards recognising the ordeal that these men suffered.
“The attention must now turn to the British government and security forces who also owe an apology to these men.
“The SDLP will continue to support these men in their campaign to receive a full, unequivocal apology from the British government, British Army and other security services involved.
“The Supreme Court was clear in its ruling and it’s long past time this was acknowledged by those responsible for what these men endured.”
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