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The relatives of five individuals who were fatally shot in Belfast in 1972 have criticized the UK government for what they describe as a “deliberate silence” following an inquest’s conclusion that the Army “overreacted to a perceived threat.” These families are now demanding a formal apology. The coroner’s report, released last month, determined that the Army lost control in several incidents during that event.
The victims—Fr Noel Fitzpatrick, Patrick Butler (42), father of six, John Dougal (16), David McCafferty (15), and Margaret Gargan (13)—were all shot on the Springhill estate on 9 July 1972. A family spokesperson highlighted the government’s response to similar historical cases, noting, “In Ballymurphy and Bloody Sunday, when the truth was established, the government responded with public apologies. The same standard must apply here.” They added that anything less would represent “unequal treatment and a denial of justice,” emphasizing that their loved ones were innocent, unarmed, and should never have been killed. Despite the truth being legally affirmed, the government has remained silent nearly three weeks after the verdict, a silence the families regard as a continuation of the injustice spanning more than fifty years.
Regarding the details uncovered by the inquest, the final submissions were presented in April 2024, just before the deadline set by the 2023 Legacy Act to conclude conflict-related inquests. The coroner, Mr Justice Scoffield, ruled that the force used in all five shootings was “not reasonable.” He acknowledged evidence indicating that “some sporadic rounds were fired” earlier that evening, thereby rejecting claims that no shots were fired on 9 July. The inquest revealed that four of the victims were shot by the same soldier—with two individuals tragically killed by the same bullet—while Margaret Gargan was shot directly in the face by a different soldier.
The coroner determined that the force applied did not comply with the Army’s rules of engagement, known as the yellow card, and found that no warning was issued before the shootings took place. Both Fr Fitzpatrick, Patrick Butler, and Margaret Gargan were described as “wholly innocent victims,” while David McCafferty was “regarded as an innocent victim.” Although John Dougal’s behavior before his death was described as “unclear and suspicious,” the coroner emphasized he should not have been shot, particularly since he was shot in the back while retreating. In response to the verdict, the Ministry of Defence acknowledged the findings, stating they are “considering them carefully,” and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting veterans and promoting “truth, recovery, reconciliation, and closure.
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