A libel case due to begin in the High Court in London today will bring into focus allegations of collusion between the security forces and loyalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland.
The action is being taken by a Channel 4 programme-maker, Mr Sean McPhelimy, against the Sunday Times. His 1991 documentary, The Committee, alleged a widespread conspiracy to murder Catholics and republicans. The Sunday Times criticised the programme as implausible and a hoax and claimed witnesses had been coaxed.
Mr McPhelimy claims the criticism ruined his reputation for solid professionalism built up over 20 years of investigative journalism, his income and his company. If the case goes ahead it is expected to last eight weeks.
The programme was broadcast on Channel 4 on October 2nd, 1991, and featured witnesses with their faces blacked out and words read by actors.
It alleged that a controlling committee with up to 60 members existed, composed of unofficial representatives of the security forces, bankers, solicitors and city councillors, who regularly met leaders of the loyalist terrorist organisations to plan and sanction murder.