Reinstatement of Low Template DNA Criticised by RSF

national | crime and justice | press release Sunday April 13, 2008 15:15 by Richard Walsh - Republican Sinn Féin

Republican Sinn Féin have criticised the reinstatement of Low Template DNA, namely the Low Copy Number DNA analysis technique, as an evidential tool within the Six Occupied Counties.

REINSTATEMENT OF LOW TEMPLATE DNA CRITICISED BY RSF

The announcement that Low Copy Number DNA testing is to be reinstated as an evidential tool has been criticised by Republican Sinn Féin. Director of Publicity, Richard Walsh, said:

“Low Template DNA analysis falsely linked a Nottingham schoolboy to the bombing. This notoriously unreliable and utterly discredited technique also identifies trace elements of DNA which may have arrived at a given place for entirely innocuous reasons. As such, its use is rejected almost throughout the world as an evidential tool.

“The issues surrounding the use of LCN DNA were never solely related to its handling and storage. It is also unsurprising that the RUC were quick to announce its reinstatement as evidence as a means of removing those whom they oppose from society.”

ENDS