In a landmark legal decision, two former members of the British Army's Parachute Regiment are set to face trial over their alleged involvement in one of the most contentious episodes of the Northern Ireland Troubles.
The case concerns events on 30th January 1972 in the Bogside area of Londonderry, a day that became known as Bloody Sunday. Thirteen civilians were killed outright, with a fourteenth dying later from injuries.
Court Rejects Bid to Dismiss Case
At Belfast Crown Court, Mr Justice O'Hara dismissed an application to have the charges against the veterans, referred to only as Soldier A and Soldier C, thrown out. The judge ruled that there is sufficient evidence for a case to proceed.
Soldier A is charged with the murder of Daniel Hegarty and the attempted murder of Christopher Hegarty and another individual. Soldier C faces charges for the murder of James Wray and the attempted murder of Joseph Friel or Joseph Mahon.
A Long Road to Justice
The path to this trial has been long and complex. A 2010 inquiry, led by Lord Saville, concluded that the soldiers' actions were "unjustified and unjustifiable." This finding paved the way for a fresh police investigation and the subsequent decision to prosecute.
The defendants' legal teams had argued that the evidence against their clients was insufficient, a claim the judge ultimately rejected. The case will now move forward to trial, marking a significant moment for the families of the victims who have campaigned for decades.
Anonymity and National Context
The court has maintained an anonymity order for the accused soldiers, citing genuine fears for their safety. This trial is one of a small number of prosecutions related to the Troubles that have been pursued in recent years, a process often fraught with political and legal controversy.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed the department is aware of the ruling and will continue to provide legal support to the former soldiers, while acknowledging the gravity of the proceedings for all involved.
