ABSTRACT
The tight structure of denial around the allegations meant the Compton Committee’s truth-finding mandate was hindered at several junctures. The Defence Secretary regarded the paragraph as misleading, but it is hypothesised that the statement was challenging for the Ministry of Defence because it revealed the underlying framework of denial, and therefore the relevant paragraph was amended, and reference to the restricted ‘secret’ documents removed. The denial framework impacted the realm of criminal justice and civil proceedings, reducing the likelihood that members of the security forces would ever be held accountable for abuses they committed while on duty. In the absence of criminal accountability for illegal actions associated with Operations Demetrius and Calaba, many successfully pursued civil cases. Assistant Chief Constable David Johnston highlighted the deep reservations that the Royal Ulster Constabulary had in relation to Operation Calaba, which progressed only after ‘absolute assurances’ offering indemnity had been given ‘at the highest level.
