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The Northern Ireland Prosecution Service has decided to uphold its decision not to prosecute 15 former British soldiers in connection with the Bloody Sunday murders in Derry 48 years ago.
Thirteen civilians were killed when British soldiers opened fire in a demonstration against internment and dozens more were injured on January 30, 1972. A fourteenth person was later killed.
Last year, the PPS announced that a former member of the British Army Parachute Regiment, known as Private F, would face charges of murder and attempted murder, but no further legal action was planned.
Family members of several of those killed and injured requested a review of the decision.
This morning, the PPS announced that after review by its senior deputy director, Marianne O’Kane, who was not involved in the original cases, last year’s decision was upheld.
The evidence against 15 former British soldiers was examined as part of the review.
In a statement, the PPS said that the trial trial is not met on evidentiary grounds to prosecute any of the 15 soldiers in connection with the specific deaths or injuries suffered on January 30, 1972.
In a statement, a law firm representing several families of victims of Bloody Sunday described today’s announcement as deeply disappointing.
Ciarán Shiels of Madden and Finucane said his clients were considering challenging these decisions in Superior Court through judicial review procedures.
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