Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Half of soldiers willing to help probe into deaths of Ballymurphy victims
MORE than 30 former soldiers are willing to assist an inquest into the Ballymurphy Massacre.
The figure was revealed as Belfast Coroner’s Court was told Army veterans were being encouraged to throw letters from the Coroners Service in the bin.
Ten people, including a Catholic priest and a mother of eight, were were killed during three days of gunfire involving members of the Parachute Regiment in August 1971.
Another man died of a heart attack following an alleged violent confrontation with the troops in the West Belfast estate.
At a preliminary hearing in Belfast’s Royal Courts of Justice, counsel for the Coroners Service Sean Doran said letters had been sent to 60 potential military witnesses.
Around 32 had indicated they were prepared to help, while seven were “reluctant”, the court was told.
Mr Doran said: “Responses have been received from 46. Five are deceased. Of the 41 responses from those who are alive, 32 are prepared to assist. Seven are reluctant. Two are unwell.”
Lawyers for the Coroners Service have interviewed and taken statements from two military witnesses. A further two interviews have been lined up and six have yet to be arranged. Michael Mansfield, representing a number of victims’ families, described as “serious” reports a veterans group urged ex-soldiers to bin correspondence from the coroner. Judge Siobhan Keegan said enquiries about the validity of the claims would have to be made. The case was adjourned until next month.