Former British soldier to face murder trial for Bloody Sunday killings, reigniting search for justice after decades of cover-up
A former British soldier, Soldier F, is to face trial for the killing of two civil rights protesters on Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland. The trial comes 52 years after the massacre and aims to deliver justice and closure for the victims and their families.
A former British soldier is set to stand trial for the killing of two civil rights protesters on Bloody Sunday, one of the deadliest days of the conflict in Northern Ireland. The soldier, known only as Soldier F, will face charges of murder in relation to the deaths of James Wray and William McKinney, as well as attempted murder in relation to five other individuals. The events occurred in Derry (also known as Londonderry) on January 30, 1972, when members of Britain's Parachute Regiment opened fire on unarmed protesters, resulting in the death of 13 individuals.
David Cleary (aka Soldier F) is set to stand trial for two murders and five attempted murders during Bloody Sunday
— SPECTRE Podcast (@SpectrePodcast_) December 14, 2023
For decades the British state protected him. We hope he faces the justice that should have been brought against him a long time ago 🇮🇪🚩 pic.twitter.com/qZJKHmz5Qz
The initial investigation into the incident labeled the victims as Irish Republican Army (IRA) bombers and gunmen. However, a 12-year inquiry concluded in 2010 that British soldiers had fired without justification at civilians who were unarmed and fleeing, and subsequently covered up the truth for several decades. A judge announced during a hearing in Londonderry that Soldier F should stand trial at Belfast Crown Court, although a specific date for the trial has not yet been set. The case against Soldier F was initially announced in 2019, but concerns were raised that it might collapse if it proceeded to trial.
However, last year, a court ruled in favor of the family of William McKinney, challenging the decision to halt the case and allowing it to move forward. Mickey McKinney, the brother of William McKinney, expressed relief at the latest developments, stating that it has been a long time coming. He also acknowledged that witnesses to the events of Bloody Sunday are aging and some are passing away, making it all the more important to pursue justice now. The upcoming anniversary of the incident, which will mark 52 years since the tragic events, serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and closure for the victims and their families.
