Govt To Lodge 'Strong Protest' Over Publication Of McAreavey Crime Scene Photos

Following the publication of Michaela McAreavey crime scene photo’s in a Mauritius Sunday newspaper the Foreign Affairs Minister and Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore has said that the Government would lodge a strong protest with the Mauritius government over the publication.

He said he was shocked by the publication and it could not be considered acceptable in any circumstances.

Mr Gilmore said he had spoken with John McAreavey and believed he was satisfied with the Government's response.

The murdered honeymooner's family reacted with horror yesterday when it emerged that the Mauritian Sunday Times had published a disturbing picture of her lifeless body across its front page.

Inside there were more pictures, including close-ups of marks on Michaela's neck.

Defence lawyers for the two hotel workers cleared of her murder last week insisted their camp had not leaked the images.

But the Mauritian police and the newspaper have remained silent on the controversy.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny branded the publication "a gross affront to human dignity".

A spokesman for the Harte and McAreavey families said they had not considered any action against the newspaper just yet.

"Nobody is even in that mindset at the minute. They are kind of in shock about how far this has gone," he said.

Their Mauritian lawyer, Dick Su Wa, called the publication of the pictures "scandalous", saying he had "no idea" how such pictures could have been leaked.

"I am going to contact the police commissioner and the DPP to ensure there is a full investigation into the matter."

(H)