The family of Noah Donohoe say despite "obstacles" they will continue to seek answers surrounding his death.
It comes after the new Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Shailesh Vara, signed off on a PII certification, which could see information concealed during the inquest process.
Noah, a 14-year-old pupil at St Malachy’s College, was found dead in a storm drain in North Belfast in June 2020, six days after he went missing. Two years on, and his family are still seeking answers about his disappearance and death.
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Within weeks of taking up the post as Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Shailesh Vara signed off on the Public Interest Immunity (PII) certification. The move has sparked outrage, and calls for the decision to be reversed so that no material is redacted or information withheld during the inquest process.
The Donohoe family say they were given official notice by the NIO on July 27, that the PII had been signed off and was received by the PSNI and Crown Solicitors Office on July 19.
Noah's mum Fiona wrote: "I never thought in my wildest nightmares that Niamh and myself would be fighting for justice for the only person I have loved with all my heart. Beautiful, talented, kindhearted Noah
"He deserves his voice to be heard."
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District says she is writing to Shailesh Vara to ask him to reverse his decision.
Cllr Sandra Duffy said: "I will be writing to the British Secretary of State Shailesh Vara asking him to reverse his decision to grant a PII Certificate (Public Interest Immunity Certificate) to conceal information into the case of Noah Donohoe. It is vitally important that Fiona Donohoe and her family and friends get the full truth about the death of 14 year old Noah Donohoe and that there is open and transparency throughout this process.
"I will continue to stand with Fiona Donohoe and her family in their campaign for justice and truth. They deserve nothing less. We need to join together to oppose any effort to cover up the circumstances of Noah’s death."
Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O'Neill said: "I have raised serious concerns with British Secretary of State, Shailesh Vara, following his approval of a PII certificate to conceal information relating to Noah Donohoe. The PII certificate must be withdrawn now. Fiona and her family deserve full access to truth and justice."
At a Policing Board meeting in March, Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said claims that police were bidding to stop relevant information being disclosed to Noah’s inquest “couldn’t be further from the truth”.
“I want to address a misconception about the three files that are being referred to publicly,” he said.
“There is a belief that we are seeking to remove those three flies in their entirety and in some way keep them hidden from the family. This couldn’t be further from the truth.”
A date for a full inquest hearing into Noah's death has yet to be set.
Belfast Live has contacted the NIO and PSNI for a comment on the PII.
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