‘SOLDIER F’ IS NAMED IN COMMONS BY DERRY MP
Eastwood reveals identity of Bloody Sunday accused
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has used parliamentary privilege to name a former soldier facing two murder charges over Bloody Sunday.
The Foyle MP was speaking during a House of Commons debate yesterday on the Armed Forces Bill.
Soldier F, who is also facing five attempted murder charges, had been granted anonymity by a judge.
Parliamentary privilege gives MPS unrestricted free speech in the Commons chamber without the risk of being sued for defamation.
Mr Eastwood intervened on Shadow Defence Minister Stephanie Peacock as MPS considered Bill amendments.
After naming Soldier F, he said: “For 50 years, he’s been granted anonymity. Now the Government want to give him an amnesty.
“Does the shadow minister agree with me that nobody, none of the perpetrators involved in murder during our Troubles, should be granted an amnesty?”
Thirteen people were shot dead on Bloody Sunday in Derry on January 30,
1972 after members of the British Army’s Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators.
Soldier F is facing two murder charges over the killings of William Mckinney and James Wray and five attempted murder charges.
The defendant cannot be named for legal reasons. He was granted anonymity after the judge ruled his life was at risk.
Earlier this month, the Public Prosecution Service said it planned to withdraw the charges after reviewing the case and decided statements were no longer admissible as evidence.
It was due to be formally dismissed in court last week but the matter was adjourned following a legal challenge by a brother of Mr Mckinney.
Leave has been granted for a judicial review into the PPS move and the case is due to be heard in September.
A barrister representing Soldier F told the High Court in Belfast last Thursday that he would not oppose Friday’s adjournment application in Derry, given the court assurances that September’s legal challenge is to expedited.
For 50 years, he has been granted anonymity COLUM EASTWOOD WESTMINSTER YESTERDAY