The family of Charles Bennett, who was found blindfolded and shot in the head in west Belfast 12 days ago, have accused politicians of using his death as a political football to score points against their opponents.
Both republican and security sources have said the Provisional IRA was responsible for the murder although the paramilitary group has not claimed responsibility.
In a statement issued through their solicitor yesterday, the Bennetts expressed abhorrence at the way his death was being treated.
They confirmed their support for the peace process and said they hoped his murder would not be used to jeopardise it. Meanwhile, the family of Ms Bernadette Sands McKevitt have issued a statement saying Mr Bennett was no relation to them.
Several media reports have claimed he was a nephew of Ms Sands McKevitt and was killed as a warning to republican hard-liners to stop recruiting in Belfast. "We wish to state that Charles Bennett is not related to our family," Ms Sands McKevitt said.
