Watch: Cross community march held to mark 50th anniversary of Ballymurphy massacre

Sunday, 8 August 2021 10:31

By Grainne Connolly

by Q Radio News

A cross community march has taken place in west Belfast this afternoon to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ballymurphy massacre.

10 people were shot dead by British soldiers during an army operation between 9th and 11th August 1971 following the introduction of internment.

An inquest found earlier this year, those killed were entirely innocent.

Large crowds have turned out in west Belfast this afternoon for a cross community march - to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ballymurphy massacre. pic.twitter.com/6eJ82y0lew
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 8, 2021

It prompted an apology from the Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the House of Commons.

Today, the families of those killed 50 years ago, were joined at their annual Time for Truth march by victims from all sides of the community who have united in opposition to the UK government's legacy plans.

📽️Watch: Families of the victims of the Ballymurphy Massacre have been joined at their annual Time for Truth march, marking the 50th anniversary of the incident, by victims from all sides of the community who have united against the UK government's legacy plans pic.twitter.com/NVXF01USEG
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 8, 2021

The proposals could see an end to all troubles related offences that occurred before the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 and would apply to both former military personnel and ex-paramilitaries.

John Teggart, whose father Danny was among those killed, says today is about remembering what happened, celebrating progress and continuing their fight for justice.

John Teggart whose father Danny was killed in the Ballymurphy massacre alongside the families outside court.

"It has been a good year, all our loved ones who were declared innocent but our fight hasn't stopped. our fight continues.

"These new proposals of an amnesty for all, is just not going away.

"Today, there's representation from across the community and afar and we're calling with one voice and one voice only - no amnesty for anyone.

"We don't want any murders to be let off, we don't want an amnesty to cover up for the war crimes of the British government and the MoD (Ministry of Defence).

"No amnesty for anybody, that's what all the families here and victims united in once voice want.

"That's what we'll be saying here today."

John Teggart speaking to Q Radio before the Time for Truth march

The March will leave from Springfield Park at 12.30pm this afternoon with large crowds expected.

Representatives of 53 families whose relatives were killed during the Troubles will be attending including those from Bloody Sunday in Derry/Londonderry, McGurks bar bombing in Belfast, Kelly's Bar and Newlodge Massacres also in the city and others.

The March will be followed by a wreath laying cermony.