Judge Rejects Bid to Dismiss McKee Murder Charges

0:00It's February 27. This episode is brought to you by NordVPN. If you use public Wi-Fi or care about your privacy online, NordVPN helps keep your connections secure across all your devices. Links in the episode description. Let's get into the latest UK headlines. A judge in Belfast has rejected a defense bid to throw out charges against nine men in the murder trial of journalist Lyra McKee. The 29-year-old was fatally shot while covering riots in London Dairy's Cregan area back in April 2019. Three of the defendants face murder charges, Peter Kavanaugh, who's 37, Jordan Divine, 25, and Paul McIntyre, 58. The other six are accused of rioting and throwing petro bombs during the unrest. All nine deny the allegations, and one original defendant passed away last year. The new IRA group claimed responsibility for the shooting, which happened amid heightened tensions in the area. McKee's death drew widespread outrage, and renewed focus on violence linked to dissident

1:02Republican activity. Mrs. Justice Smith reviewed prosecution evidence, including video footage and police identifications before ruling there's enough for the case to continue. This non-Jerry trial now moves forward without dismissal. Defense lawyers are studying the decision as proceedings pick up pace toward closing arguments.