Current Affairs (Soldier F) Flashcards
Who is Soldier F?
Soldier F is a moniker for a soldier from 1 PARA.
He was a corporal during The Troubles in the 70s
What is he being charged for?
Soldier F
2 counts of murder
5 counts of attempted murder
What is Bloody Sunday?
Thirteen people were killed and 15 wounded when members of the Army’s Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in Derry on 30th January 1972.
Who else is being charged for these crimes?
Soldier F
The Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service decided in March that Soldier F would be the only ex-paratrooper to be charged.
What other incidents were 1 PARA involved with?
Soldier F
Ballymurphy massacre several months before
Killing of Protestant civilians in the Shankill several months later.
Why has nobody been prosecuted sooner?
Soldier F
Two investigations immediately after the incident cleared the accused of any wrongdoing. An inquiry that started in 1998 and continued to 2010 decided that the killings were unjustifiable. The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, made a formal apology. This kicked off an investigation from the police, which brings us to where we are today.
What is public opinion?
Soldier F
Divided. There have been marches and events both in support of the prosecution of Soldier F and in protest of his innocence.
Your Opinion?
Soldier F
Soldier F was a lance corporal at the time of the incident. I wasn’t there at the time, so can’t say what happened, but i don’ think pinning the blame on one individual is the right thing to do. Other members of the battalion were involved. Can you blame a commanding officer? Soldier F went through a process where the end product is a killer who follows orders. The parachute regiment is one of the most disciplined in the forces. Why is it right that one man in his 60’s is basically getting put on trial for all of the injustices committed in Northern Ireland.
