The deaths of 10 people during three days of shootings in west Belfast were the result of “illegitimate, unjustified and indiscriminate use of force by the (British) army”, a court has heard. Inquests investigating the 1971 incidents, referred to as the Ballymurphy massacre by bereaved relatives, began in Belfast on Monday. Soldiers have long been held responsible for killing all 10 in Ballymurphy between August 9th and 11th, 1971. Sean Doran QC, counsel for the Coroner’s Service, outlined some of the evidence that will be examined throughout the inquests. Referring to the original inquest, Mr Doran said it did not carry out a rigorous examination of military statements.

Source: The Irish Times November 12, 2018 13:20 UTC