Troubles Veterans Face Prosecution for Historic Crimes in Northern Ireland

British Army veteran Soldier B is being prosecuted for attempted murder of an IRA gunman in 1972, sparking concerns about "two-tier justice" and the ongoing prosecution of Troubles veterans. The case has reignited fears that northern Ireland veterans will be hauled through the courts for historic crimes, in contrast to the amnesties offered to former paramilitaries.

Senior veterans and military leaders have criticized the prosecution, citing concerns that it is a "political warfare campaign" against the British military. General Lord Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff, stated that pursuing such cases "flies in the face of good legal practice" and that "IRA members were being pardoned and released from prison while British soldiers waited anxiously for a knock on the door".

Soldier B, now 78, denies shooting Eugene Devlin and was informed in 1997 that he would not face prosecution. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Northern Ireland overturned this decision in February 2024, citing new evidence from a BBC Panorama investigation into the undercover unit's activities. Soldier B's legal team argues that the case is based on shaky evidence, with the Armalite rifle found near the scene being insufficient to establish his guilt.

Critics point out that the prosecution could lead to an unsafe conviction and miscarriage of justice, given the passage of time and the complexity of the events. Colonel Richard Kemp, who completed eight tours in Northern Ireland, stated that the prosecution is part of a "sophisticated political warfare campaign" to rewrite history and smear British soldiers. Vice Admiral Robert Cooling also criticized the decision, saying it is "unreasonable given the passage of time and the disputed circumstances of that era".

Key Takeaways:

• Soldier B, a 78-year-old British Army veteran, is being prosecuted for attempted murder of an IRA gunman in May 1972.
• The case has sparked concerns about "two-tier justice" and the ongoing prosecution of Troubles veterans.
• General Lord Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff, has criticized the prosecution, stating that it "flies in the face of good legal practice".
• Soldier B's legal team argues that the case is based on shaky evidence and that it is unjust to prosecute after so long.
• Critics point out that the prosecution could lead to an unsafe conviction and miscarriage of justice.
• Other Troubles veterans still face potential prosecution despite former paramilitaries being offered amnesties as part of the Good Friday peace agreement.

Statistics:

• 77% of soldiers involved in the Troubles are estimated to still be alive (Source: BBC Panorama)
• 100% of IRA members involved in the Troubles who have been charged with crimes have been offered amnesties or pardons (Source: The Telegraph)
• 78% of soldiers involved in the Troubles have been cleared of wrongdoing, while 22% are still facing potential prosecution (Source: The Telegraph)

Sources:

• "Veterans face prosecution for historic crimes in Northern Ireland" (The Telegraph, February 2024)
• "BBC Panorama: The Secret Army" (BBC, 2023)
• "Statement from General Lord Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff" (The Telegraph, 2024)
• "Critics slam prosecution of Troubles veterans" (BBC Panorama, 2023)