Bloody Sunday Trial: Soldier F Accused of Murder and Attempted Murder

Strategic Insights -

The trial of Soldier F, a Parachute Regiment member accused of murdering two civilians and attempting to murder five others on Bloody Sunday, has commenced in Belfast Crown Court. The incident, which occurred on January 30, 1972, resulted in the deaths of 13 people, all of whom were unarmed and attempting to run away from soldiers. The prosecution has presented evidence that the shooting was unjustified and that the soldiers involved lost control, resulting in "unnecessary and gratuitous" harm to civilians.

Key Takeaways:

  • The prosecution has presented evidence that Soldier F and other soldiers fired at civilians as they tried to run away, which was "unjustified" and "unlawful".
  • Thirteen people were killed on Bloody Sunday, all of whom were unarmed and attempting to flee from soldiers.
  • Three survivors of the shooting, who are still alive, will testify as witnesses in the trial.
  • The prosecution alleges that Soldier F is liable for murder in the case of two men killed and attempted murder in the case of five others injured.
  • Evidence has been presented that two soldiers, now deceased, provided false witness statements in an attempt to justify the shooting.
  • The trial has described the soldiers' behavior as "unprofessional" and "disgracing" the British Army.

Statistics:

  • 13 people were killed on Bloody Sunday.
  • 3 survivors of the shooting are still alive and will testify as witnesses.
  • 5 others were injured in the shooting.
  • The shooting occurred on January 30, 1972.
  • The trial is ongoing.

Sources:

  • A statement by Ivan Cooper, a civil rights leader who was present on Bloody Sunday, made in February 2015.
  • The Daily Mail.
  • BBC News.