It took 50 years for an inquest to recognize 10 people killed by the Parachute Regiment at Ballymurphy were entirely innocent. – Aontú
Following today’s publication of the Ballymurphy Inquest’s findings, Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín TD & Aontú Deputy Leader Cllr Denise Mullen have welcomed the confirmation that all victims were innocent and that their murders were unjustifiable. They stated that its is shocking that it has taken 50 years for this to be recognised by an Inquest of the Northern State. It is also shocking that it happens at a time when the Tories in Westminster seek to shield the perpetrators of British state violence from prosecution.
An Teachta Tóibín:
“In 19171, British forces killed 10 innocent people whilst imposing mass internment upon the Nationalist community of the North. After more than 100 witness, and more than 100 days of evidence, today’s findings serve to shed further light on the brutalisation of innocent people by forces of the British State in the North. Among the ten who lost their lives were a priest and mother of eight. What happened to Joan Connolly was harrowing. She was only 44 years old when she was killed by the British Army. She was searching for her daughter and was forced to take shelter from the gunfire by a gable wall. She witnessed Noel Phillips who was only 20 years get shot and she went to his aid. For her kindness she was shot by a British soldier. The bullet went through her eye. According to witnesses it took “half her face off.” She was shot again repeatedly and the British Army left her to bleed to death for the next 6 hours”.
“The findings of the inquest today are very welcome for the families of the victims, with who we share our solidarity, thoughts and prayers."
Aontú Mid Ulster Cllr Denise Mullen, herself a victim and survivor of British State violence, stated:
“For the families of those who lost their lives to extrajudicial killings and state-sanctioned violence, today’s findings are yet another example of the oppression and brutality suffered by the Nationalist community at the hands of British forces. Sadly, today is a day for truth – but not justice. The Tory government plan next week to announce the blanket amnesty to be given to British forces and colluding forces for crimes committed before the Good Friday Agreement. Today, is a welcome victory for the families and loved ones of those the Ballymurphy victims. 16 months of evidence, to confirm the innocence of the victims, the unjustified taking of their lives, and the absence of proper investigation. The crimes committed by British authorities on this island cannot just be exposed, they must be prosecuted and met with justice. Sadly, the findings of this Court today cannot be actioned upon.”
