Army veteran’s vow despite horrifying online messages
Mum Suzanne Fernando spearheads a movement demanding an end to a probe into soldiers for alleged crimes committed during the conflict.
Now police are investigating sickening messages sent online to the former
Royal Military Police soldier.
Suzanne, 44, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in Northern Ireland, insists she will not live in fear of the abuse.
She said: “I’ve stood by my fellow veterans as we peacefully protested against the criminal investigations into historic alleged crimes committed by soldiers.
“I’ve had a wonderful time showing solidarity with them all but I was shocked by the online abuse aimed at me.
“I’ve received death threats but they won’t stop me. If anything, it makes me more determined.
“When
I logged on, I was getting the threats coming in – everything was about me and the ongoing campaign. There were too many but I copied them and sent the messages to police and then blocked them.
“Officers have been round and taken all the data away with them. I hoped the police would be able to trace who is responsible.” Suzanne organised a protest after the UK Government investigation into alleged historic offences began.
Officials are investigating up to 301 deaths caused by British mi l itary personnel between August 1969 and July 2007, with three prosecutions ongoing.
Dennis Hutchings, formerly of the Life Guards Regiment, has been charged with the attempted murder of John Pat Cunningham, who was shot dead by an Army patrol in 1974.
In March, the trial was delayed at Belfast Crown Court due to concerns over the 78-year-old’s health and the threat of coronavirus.
Hutchings denies two charges linked to the death of Mr Cunningham. The 27-year-old, who had learning difficulties, was shot running from an army patrol in Benburb, County Tyrone, in June 1974. The case has been going on for more than four years.
Suzanne, from Ardrossan, Ayrshire, is a prominent campaigner for veterans’ rights.
She set up the Glasgow demonstration with her Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans ( JFNIV) group. It took place outside the city’s Ministry of Defence offices. She also organised a protest at the BBC with Hutchings and runs a social media campaign battling against the prosecutions.
A police spokesman said: “We take reports of abusive or threatening behaviour on social media very seriously. We would encourage people to report any concerning activity to police as promptly as possible.”