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05/07/2021
SDLP 'Bitterly Disappointed' Over PPS Decision
The SDLP have described the decision by the Public Prosecution Service to discontinue the prosecution of soldiers accused of the murder of James Wray and William McKinney on Bloody Sunday and teenager Daniel Hegarty as "bitterly disappointing" and have raised significant concerns about the way families have been treated.
Party leader and L'Derry MP, Colum Eastwood, said that the families have been badly let down on too many occasions and will have the SDLP's full support in their efforts to secure justice and accountability for their loved ones.
Mr Eastwood MP said: "This is a devastating news. Devastating for the Bloody Sunday families and the family of Daniel Hegarty who have placed their faith in process after process only to be let down badly as they seek justice and accountability for the murder of their loved ones. But devastating also because of the message it sends to the world. That British Army soldiers can come on to the streets of Northern Ireland, shoot children dead, and they'll get away with it. Where is the justice in that?
"It is galling that these cases appear to have collapsed because the British Army's historical investigation process was so deficient that the evidence collected is considered to be inadmissible. These families are now in a position where their loved ones were killed by members of the British Army and their prosecutions have been discontinued because of the conduct of the British Army. It is totally unjust.
"The Bloody Sunday Families and Daniel Hegarty's family have been through worse days than this and they have marched on with dignity, decency and pride. The people of Derry have stood with them on every step of their long march toward justice, we're with them today and we'll be with them until the end. The SDLP will continue to stand with them in the next phase of this campaign. This is not over.”
Party leader and L'Derry MP, Colum Eastwood, said that the families have been badly let down on too many occasions and will have the SDLP's full support in their efforts to secure justice and accountability for their loved ones.
Mr Eastwood MP said: "This is a devastating news. Devastating for the Bloody Sunday families and the family of Daniel Hegarty who have placed their faith in process after process only to be let down badly as they seek justice and accountability for the murder of their loved ones. But devastating also because of the message it sends to the world. That British Army soldiers can come on to the streets of Northern Ireland, shoot children dead, and they'll get away with it. Where is the justice in that?
"It is galling that these cases appear to have collapsed because the British Army's historical investigation process was so deficient that the evidence collected is considered to be inadmissible. These families are now in a position where their loved ones were killed by members of the British Army and their prosecutions have been discontinued because of the conduct of the British Army. It is totally unjust.
"The Bloody Sunday Families and Daniel Hegarty's family have been through worse days than this and they have marched on with dignity, decency and pride. The people of Derry have stood with them on every step of their long march toward justice, we're with them today and we'll be with them until the end. The SDLP will continue to stand with them in the next phase of this campaign. This is not over.”
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Sinn Féin will continue to stand with the Bloody Sunday families in their campaign for truth and justice, MLA Padráig Delargy has said. The Foyle MLA was speaking after relatives of Bloody Sunday victims seeking the prosecution of three more former British soldiers have been denied permission to take their legal battle to the Supreme Court.
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Sinn Féin will continue to stand with the Bloody Sunday families in their campaign for truth and justice, MLA Padráig Delargy has said. The Foyle MLA was speaking after relatives of Bloody Sunday victims seeking the prosecution of three more former British soldiers have been denied permission to take their legal battle to the Supreme Court.
16 January 2003
McBride family re-appeal Scots Guardsmen decision
The family of Peter McBride, who was shot and killed by the British army in 1992, will launch a fresh legal challenge against the MoD today over their decision to retain the two Scots Guardsmen in the ranks. Lawyers for the McBride family will begin the appeal against the ruling of Justice Kerr in judicial review at 10.
McBride family re-appeal Scots Guardsmen decision
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18 December 2023
SDLP Expresses Solidarity With Bloody Sunday Families
The SDLP have expressed their solidarity with the Bloody Sunday families, after it was announced that Soldier F would stand trial for the murders of William McKinney and James Wray.
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The SDLP have expressed their solidarity with the Bloody Sunday families, after it was announced that Soldier F would stand trial for the murders of William McKinney and James Wray.
24 October 2007
Ireland Joins British Legion Remembrance
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Ireland Joins British Legion Remembrance
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25 January 2019
Bloody Sunday 'Soldier N' Dies
One of the former paratroopers facing potential charges over Bloody Sunday has passed away, it has emerged. Prosecutors were informed last week that 'Soldier N' had died. Thirteen people were shot dead when members of the British Army opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in L'Derry in 1972. A fourteenth person died later.
Bloody Sunday 'Soldier N' Dies
One of the former paratroopers facing potential charges over Bloody Sunday has passed away, it has emerged. Prosecutors were informed last week that 'Soldier N' had died. Thirteen people were shot dead when members of the British Army opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in L'Derry in 1972. A fourteenth person died later.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
