Coroner rules victims in 1971 Belfast shooting were innocent
Posted May 11, 2021 7:00 am
LONDON (AP) - A coroner in Northern Ireland has ruled that 10 people killed during a military operation in west Belfast 50 years ago were 'œentirely innocent'' and soldiers were responsible for nine of their deaths.
Family members applauded as coroner Siobhan Keegan delivered her findings in the inquest into the deaths, which occurred during three days of unrest in August 1971. The shootings took place in the Ballymurphy area of Belfast during the sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland that became known as The Troubles.
Though she acknowledged the times were chaotic, Keegan ruled that none of the victims had been engaged in paramilitary activity at the time they were shot. The victims included a mother of eight, a Catholic priest and a World War II veteran.
The inquest was ordered in 2011 following a campaign by the victims' families. It ultimately heard more than 100 days of testimony during hearings that stretched from November 2018 to March 2020.
Family members arrive for the inquest into holding photos of the victims of the Ballymurphy shooting, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Tuesday May 11, 2021. The findings of the inquest into the deaths of 10 people during an army operation in August 1971 is due to be published on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
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Relatives arrive for the inquest into the Ballymurphy shooting, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Tuesday May 11, 2021. The findings of the inquest into the deaths of 10 people during an army operation in August 1971 is due to be published on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
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Rita Bonner, left, sister of John Laverty who was shot, with relatives arrive for the inquest into the Ballymurphy shooting, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Tuesday May 11, 2021. The findings of the inquest into the deaths of 10 people during an army operation in August 1971 is due to be published on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
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Rita Bonner, center left, sister of John Laverty who was shot, with relatives arrive for the inquest into the Ballymurphy shooting, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Tuesday May 11, 2021. The findings of the inquest into the deaths of 10 people during an army operation in August 1971 is due to be published on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
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Rita Bonner holds a photograph of her brother John Laverty who was shot in Ballymurphy, ahead of the inquest into the shooting, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Tuesday May 11, 2021. The findings of the inquest into the deaths of 10 people during an army operation in August 1971 is due to be published on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
The Associated Press
Relatives arrive for the inquest into the Ballymurphy shooting, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Tuesday May 11, 2021. The findings of the inquest into the deaths of 10 people during an army operation in August 1971 is due to be published on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
The Associated Press
Relatives of Francis Quinn who was shot dead in the Ballymurphy shooting, arrive for the inquest into the shooting, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Tuesday May 11, 2021. The findings of the inquest into the deaths of 10 people during an army operation in August 1971 is due to be published on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
The Associated Press
Family members arrive for the inquest into the Ballymurphy shooting, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Tuesday May 11, 2021. The findings of the inquest into the deaths of 10 people during an army operation in August 1971 is due to be published on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
The Associated Press
Family members arrive for the inquest into the Ballymurphy shooting, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Tuesday May 11, 2021. The findings of the inquest into the deaths of 10 people during an army operation in August 1971 is due to be published on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
The Associated Press
Son John Taggart and other family members of Daniel who was shot, arrive for the inquest into the Ballymurphy shooting, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Tuesday May 11, 2021. The findings of the inquest into the deaths of 10 people during an army operation in August 1971 is due to be published on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
The Associated Press
Relatives of John Laverty comfort each other as they arrive for the inquest into the Ballymurphy shooting, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Tuesday May 11, 2021. The findings of the inquest into the deaths of 10 people during an army operation in August 1971 is due to be published on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
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