Bloody Sunday Paratrooper On Trial

A former British paratrooper, identified only as “Soldier F” under court anonymity rules, has gone on trial in Belfast for his alleged involvement in the 1972 Bloody Sunday killings.

He faces charges of two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder, for the shooting of unarmed civil rights protesters in Derry (also known as Londonderry). On that day, 26 civilians were shot; 13 died immediately, another died months later. 

The trial opens more than five decades after the Widgery Tribunal (1972), which largely cleared soldiers and authorities of wrongdoing, and the Saville Inquiry (2010), which found there was no justification for the shootings and that exploding tensions did not legitimize the use of lethal force. Prosecutors say no other soldiers will be tried in this case due to insufficient evidence. 

“Soldier F” has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution says the defendant acted with intent to kill, describing the shootings as “unnecessary and gratuitous.” The focus is specifically on seven civilians who were allegedly shot while running through a residential courtyard. 

For the victims’ families, this trial is a landmark in their long campaign for justice and accountability. Outside the courtroom, relatives marched holding photos of those killed, demanding closure after more than 50 years. The trial will continue over several weeks. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Historic first trial: “Soldier F” is the only British soldier charged with murder over Bloody Sunday, marking a significant legal milestone after decades of inquiry.

2. Evidence & accountability: Previous inquiries (Widgery, Saville) condemned the shootings; this trial is based on stronger evidence focused on two murders and five attempted murders.

3. Long-awaited justice for victims’ families: The trial represents the culmination of a 53-year campaign, seen by many as a test of whether accountability after decades of conflict is possible.

Original source: Al Jazeera – British soldier faces trial over Northern Ireland’s Bloody Sunday killings