Current Affairs Bloody Sunday Verdict

[Barnfred 55]

Indeed. The point still stands though that the scale that State forces in NI colluded with loyalists paramilitaries to execute their orders was on a much higher scale than some rogue officers in An Garda Siochana turning a blind eye to republican activities. Many members of loyalist paramilitary organisations were also members of the UDR which was a regiment of the British army which made collusion a simple process.

An Garda Siochana did not conspire with paramilitaries to plant bombs in two town centres on the same day causing the deaths of 33 people for example. Neither did it conspire to execute an innocent solicitor just because he defended republicans. The interference by the people who were responsible for upholding law and order in comparison to those who did not was on a totally different level.

Apologies to those who wish this discussion to end for replying but it appears that there are some who want it to continue.

I don't have a problem with you all carrying on the conversation mate. It's the sort of topic this forum was introduced for and is close to many people's hearts. It's about whether this is the right thread to have it in.

People were rightly pulled up for turning, what started off as a memorial thread, into a political discussion. You just need to decide whether or not this is, in fact, a memorial thread. I'm a self confessed technophobe and even I know it's quite easy to open up a new thread and link a post to carry on the conversation elsewhere.

 

[Eggs]

.....very emotive subject, but the Rule of Law must be upheld.

 

[bignev23]

Surprised that they are not covered by the good Friday agreement, it does seem a little unfair that it only covered none state combatants but I suppose if you go around murdering innocent civilians then you cannot be shocked if you are held accountable for your actions.

 

[PhilM]

Surprised that they are not covered by the good Friday agreement, it does seem a little unfair that it only covered none state combatants but I suppose if you go around murdering innocent civilians then you cannot be shocked if you are held accountable for your actions.

The agreement covers offencews that were committed between '73 and '93 - Bloody Sunday being '72. I'd be surprised if changes aren't made to bring it to '68.

 

[Armaghtoffee]

Surprised that they are not covered by the good Friday agreement, it does seem a little unfair that it only covered none state combatants but I suppose if you go around murdering innocent civilians then you cannot be shocked if you are held accountable for your actions.

The GFA covered the early release of prisoners i.e those already convicted of an offence. In this case it would require an overall amnesty and this has been opposed for different reasons by both Britain and Republicans.

 

[peteblue]

In a civilised society a murderer is a murderer and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law irrespective from which corner he or she emanates.

Is the only correct answer.......