A trial has commenced for an individual identified as Soldier F, a former military member, who faces charges including the murders of James Wray and William McKinney, along with five counts of attempted murder. These accusations stem from events in Londonderry in 1972, commonly referred to as Bloody Sunday. The non-jury proceedings are being held at Belfast Crown Court and are anticipated to last several weeks. Families affected by Bloody Sunday, accompanied by supporters, are attending the trial. Tony Doherty, chair of the Bloody Sunday Trust, stated that the day “is a tribute to the strength of the families, whose indefatigable campaign for justice has made this happen.” The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) initially decided to charge Soldier F in 2019, following a police investigation that resulted from the public inquiry conducted by Lord Saville. However, the PPS had previously withdrawn the case two years later, a decision made after the collapse of a separate trial involving other veterans accused of a 1972 murder in Belfast. Statements provided by other soldiers at the time of the 1972 events are reportedly key evidence in the current proceedings.
Source: www.bbc.com