Bloody Sunday

The Bloody Sunday Inquiry, also known as the Saville Inquiry, was established in 1998 by British Prime Minister Tony Blair to investigate the events of Bloody Sunday, which occurred on January 30, 1972, in Derry, Northern Ireland. On that day, British soldiers from the Parachute Regiment opened fire on unarmed civil rights protesters, resulting in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to many others. This incident became one of the most significant and controversial events of the Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland.

The initial investigation into Bloody Sunday, known as the Widgery Tribunal, was conducted shortly after the events. However, its findings were widely criticized for being biased and failing to hold the soldiers and authorities accountable. The Widgery Tribunal concluded that the soldiers' actions were justified, which fuelled anger and mistrust among the nationalist community and the families of the victims.

Due to persistent campaigns by the victims' families and growing public pressure, the Saville Inquiry was launched to establish a definitive account of what happened on Bloody Sunday. The inquiry was chaired by Lord Saville of Newdigate and included William L. Hoyt, former Chief Justice of New Brunswick, and John L. Toohey, a former Justice of the High Court of Australia. The inquiry took the form of a tribunal established under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921.

The Saville Inquiry conducted extensive investigations, including gathering testimonies from over 900 witnesses, reviewing thousands of documents, and conducting forensic examinations. The inquiry's hearings lasted from 2000 to 2004, and the final report was published on June 15, 2010.

The Saville Report found that the killings on Bloody Sunday were "unjustified" and "unjustifiable." It concluded that none of the victims posed a threat to the soldiers and that the soldiers had fired the first shot, targeting fleeing unarmed civilians. The report also determined that some soldiers had lied to the inquiry to justify their actions. The findings of the Saville Inquiry marked a significant moment in the quest for justice and accountability, as it contradicted the conclusions of the Widgery Tribunal and validated the grievances of the victims' families.

Following the publication of the Saville Report, British Prime Minister David Cameron formally apologized on behalf of the British government. He acknowledged the wrongful actions of the soldiers and expressed deep regret for the pain and suffering caused by the events of Bloody Sunday. The apology was widely welcomed as a step toward reconciliation and healing for the families of the victims and the broader community.