It may have taken more than 38 years, but the British government today [Tuesday] admitted what the world has known since January 30 1972 – that those the Parachute Regiment slaughtered on the streets of Derry on Bloody Sunday were innocent.
As thousands gathered outside Derry’s Guildhall, British prime minister David Cameron rose to speak in the British House of Parliament and admit that his government could no longer hide from the truth.
Earlier, the families of the 14 dead who have campaigned for so long for truth and justice, were presented with the findings of the Saville Report. The report found:
No warning was given to the thousands on that day’s civil rights march when the British army opened fired on it in 1972.
The British army did not open fire in response to petrol bombers, stone throwers or gun attacks.
Many of the dead and injured were shot while attempting to aid the wounded and dying.
None of the casualties were posing a threat or doing anything that would “justify” their being shot.
The British army lied about its actions on January 30 1972.
Speaking in the House of Commons, David Cameron said that, on behalf of his government and his country, he was “deeply sorry” for the massacre that took place on Bloody Sunday.
éirígí general secretary Breandán Mac Cionnaith said: “Today is, first and foremost, a victory for the families of the 14 dead. Their steadfastness and determination in demanding that Britain face up to what it did to their families on Bloody Sunday has been an inspiration to everyone in Ireland who cares about truth and justice. Even during the darkest days of the last 38 years, they never gave up, never stopped believing that they and the people of Derry were worthy of justice.
“Today, for the first time ever, a British prime minister was forced to stand in his own parliament and apologise for a crime his government committed in Ireland. The people of Derry and the families of the dead should be deeply proud that they have brought this about. éirígí salutes their courage and integrity.”
Mac Cionnaith continued: “If David Cameron is truly sorry about what happened on Bloody Sunday he can do a few things to right the wrongs. Firstly, he can take his troops out of this country and Afghanistan, ensuring that never again will British soldiers run amok in cities and towns where they are not welcome.
“Secondly, he can remove the whole apparatus of the occupation from Ireland and recognise the Irish people’s right to unity and self-determination. He can do likewise in Afghanistan.
“Finally, he can declare Britain’s resolve to never again interfere in the internal affairs of another country and drown democratic movements in blood.
“When David Cameron does these things, we will know he and his government are sincere about righting the wrongs of the past.”
http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest150610.html
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