'HOODED Man' Gerry McKerr has passed away aged 71.
Mr McKerr was one of 14 men who claimed they were tortured by British forces in the North of Ireland in 1971.
The Armagh native, who hailed from Lurgan, died in hospital in the early hours of this morning (March 19).
Mr McKerr and the other Hooded Men were allegedly subject to the 'Five Techniques' of torture by British forces at the height of the Troubles.
A court case examining the allegations was heard in Europe at the time, but the judgement ruled in favour of Britain, meaning no further action was taken by Ireland.
Their case is currently back before the European Court of Human Rights, a move prompted by new evidence uncovered by the Pat Finucane Centre in London last year.
In a statement released today, Jim McIlmurray, case coordinator for the Hooded Men, said:
“I was with Gerry the moment we received the news that the Irish government would request the European courts reopen the case of the Hooded Men.
“He was delighted and said “Justice, finally we will get justice”.
“I will ensure that Gerry will receive justice. The case will continue in his honour. Our thoughts are with his wife Eileen and children at this sad time.”
A team of legal professionals, including international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, is leading the case against Britain.
