Statement on Ballymurphy inquest findings
May 12, 2021CAJ welcomes the inquest verdicts and findings into the deaths of ten people killed at Ballymurphy between 9 and 11 August 1971. We pay tribute to the families and their supporters who have battled courageously over five decades in their pursuit of truth and justice for their loved ones.
The findings of Coroner Mrs Justice Keegan have vindicated them. It was held that each of the victims was entirely innocent of any wrongdoing, and no valid justification was provided for soldiers opening fire. The Coroner found that there was a breach of Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights (right to life) as the shooting occurred without the minimisation of risk.
The Coroner also found that the original investigations were shockingly inadequate, and the state failed in its obligations to properly investigate these deaths under Article 2 ECHR.
This case demonstrates the vital role of an independent investigation in compliance with Article 2 ECHR; something which many victims in our society are entitled to but are still being denied.
A summary of the Coroner’s verdicts and findings can be found here: Summary of Ballymurphy Inquests Findings.
Please direct media enquiries to Robyn Scott, Communications & Equality Coalition Coordinator on robyn@caj.org.uk or 075 1994 1203.