Not a cheery topic, but in the local news again. The IRA bombed pubs in Birmingham in 1974, but never claimed them officially. 21 people died and over 200 were wounded. “IRA bomb maker Michel Hayes, has claimed he was involved in the atrocity, but refused to say what role he played.” Irish News 20/11/2020.
Six innocent people were sentenced to life in prison in 1975. They served nearly 17 years in prison before their sentences were quashed. Families of the victims are still trying to get justice. A 65 year old man suspected of involvement was arrested this week and questioned by police. He has been released without charge and proclaims his innocence.
Forty five years is a long time to find evidence that will support charges against suspected members of a paramilitary organisation. The sister of one of the victims, who was 18 at the time, predicted the release of the suspect. Their loss is unimaginable and the inability to punish the guilty must rub salt in their wounds.
In 1972 Bloody Sunday was a stain on the reputation of the British army’s parachute regiment. They entered a residential part of Derry and opened fire on civilians, killing 14 unarmed Catholics. The British justice system failed to get at the truth or bring any of the perpetrators to trial. Initially it was claimed that the army returned fire, but this has been discredited.
It is easy for those without direct experience of murder of their loved ones to call for an end to investigations, and draw a line under atrocities carried out by all sides in the conflict. But murder is murder and cannot be swept under the carpet.
Have a look at James Simmons’ poem Ballad of Claudy to get a sense of the devastation and agony of armed conflict.
odespinner 