Former Official IRA members may give Bloody Sunday evidence
Monday, 12 February 2001 17:54
Former members of the Official IRA may now be willing to give evidence to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry if they can remain anonymous. Barrister Gareth Purvis made a preliminary approach on behalf of his clients, five men, including three former members of the Official IRA, this afternoon. The IRA members have agreed to explain their role and orders on the day that 13 people were killed in Derry in January 1972 at the Saville Inquiry if their anonymity is maintained. Most of the British soldiers being questioned by the Inquiry are allowed to give their evidence anonymously.
Earlier this year, the Bloody Sunday Inquiry heard that, with a few exceptions, there was a "wall of silence" surrounding membership of the IRA and its actions on Bloody Sunday. Last week, one civilian said that he believed he knew the identity of a gunman whom he saw fire five to six gunshots on the day, but the witness refused to disclose the man's identity.
Lawyers for relatives of the Bloody Sunday victims have been discussing an initiative that they believe could break down the so-called "wall of silence" around IRA activity. The relatives have said that the whole truth of the events of that day must be made known in every respect. It is now expected that lawyers representing members of the Official IRA will today indicate a willingness to testify if their identities are protected. Anonymity has already been granted to a number of army witnesses who are due to give evidence.
