Debate contribution: Soldier F: Not Guilty Verdict

Debate contribution by Ms Sinéad McLaughlin on 3 November 2025.

MLA

Ms Sinéad McLaughlin

Party at the time

Social Democratic and Labour Party

Date

3 November 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Matters of the Day

Heading

Soldier F: Not Guilty Verdict

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5212694

Read the official Assembly record

Text

Last week's social media posts by the DUP leader and others that included the insignia of the Parachute Regiment following the acquittal of Soldier F caused deep hurt, particularly in Derry and especially among the families of those who were murdered on Bloody Sunday. For those families who have spent over 50 years seeking truth and justice through lawful and peaceful means, it was not only another political controversy but a painful reminder of the disregard that has been too often shown to their grief. Let us be clear: the Parachute Regiment was responsible for shooting dead 13 unarmed civilians on the streets of my city, with a fourteenth dying later of his injuries. Lord Saville's inquiry report could not have been clearer: those killings were unjustified and unjustifiable. Judge Patrick Lynch reminded us of that truth. He said that the soldiers who entered Glenfada Park North had:

"totally lost all sense of military discipline";

had shot:

"unarmed civilians fleeing from them";

and:

"Those responsible should hang their heads in shame."

In that context, the DUP leader's decision to post the Parachute Regiment insignia suggests that he finds those actions acceptable, or rejects the judge's conclusions. Either way, it is indefensible and deeply hurtful for the Bloody Sunday families. Those families have carried themselves with extraordinary dignity and restraint. They have always sought justice through the rule of law — never revenge. They have upheld the very best of Derry: compassion, persistence and faith in democratic institutions, even when those institutions failed them. That is why the DUP leader's post was profoundly wrong. Political leadership carries responsibility; it requires empathy and understanding, especially when dealing with wounds that run so very deep. When anyone in public life causes hurt, the right thing for them to do is acknowledge it and apologise. That is strength not weakness, and it builds trust and helps us to move forward. As MLAs, we owe it to the Bloody Sunday families and every victim of our troubled past to act with decency, respect and moral courage. Their struggle was for truth, and it is one of the most powerful examples of peaceful perseverance in modern times. They remind us that justice is not a slogan or a weapon in culture wars, but a principle that must apply equally to all. I pay tribute —

— to their unwavering dignity, and to the people of Derry —

— who continue to show the world that —

— even in the face of profound injustice, peace and —

— perseverance can pull through.

426 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 13:46 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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