The Blanket

The Blanket - A Journal of Protest & Dissent
Bloody Sunday Inquiry
Liam O Comain • 11.12.03

There are rumours prevalent based upon inquiring phone calls received today that I have been subpoenaed by the Sackville inquiry into the events of Bloody Sunday, in Derry, in 1972; arising from comments allegedly made by myself in a biography of Martin McGuinness by Liam Clarke and Kathy Johnston.

At the time of issuing this statement there does not exist any foundation for the rumours whatsoever. But it could be an example or case of no smoke without fire.

In the event however of being subpoenad to attend the inquiry I must state that it would be contrary to my will and conscience to do so. For as a Republican I oppose the British military and administrative presence in Ireland and logically from this position I cannot willingly participate in what is a British instituted inquiry.

If the rumours prove to be true however I naturally will seek advice and if I am forced to attend it will be in protest against the infrigement of my freedom of will and conscience.

Upon reflection I have no doubt that the resurrection of an inquiry into the events of that murderous day is a political act initially based upon the need to coax the nationalist people into supporting the Belfast Agreement rather than seeking justice for the dead, the wounded, and their relatives.

The inquiry is also I believe an attempt to discredit Irish Republicanism. . . as well as being an intelligence gathering operation of some magnitude.

If as evidence apparently exists that the British Prime Minister was considering the possibility on an occasion of bringing gunboats up the Foyle to bomb or fire upon the Creggan and the Bogside then I have no doubt he would have no qualms about the events of Bloody Sunday. Thus I believe the British Prime Minster of the time, Edward Heath, his advisers, and the military brass should be tried at an International War Crimes Tribunal.

It is obvious as the inquiry draws to an end that British national self interest is prevalent and that they are in pursuit of a scapegoat, or scapegoats, and if it is not the Provisionals or the remnants of the Officials it could be yours truly or wee Seamus down the Bog.

The British state apparently is desperate in their state of denial.





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Blanket - A Journal of Protest & Dissent



 

 

All censorships exist to prevent any one from challenging current conceptions and existing institutions. All progress is initiated by challenging current conceptions, and executed by supplanting existing institutions. Consequently the first condition of progress is the removal of censorships.
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Index: Current Articles



13 December 2003

 

Other Articles From This Issue:

 

The Right Road to Power
Anthony McIntyre

 

University Challenge

Seaghán Ó Murchú

 

Money Talks
Mick Hall

 

Bloody Sunday Inquiry
Liam O Comain

 

Stalemate for the GFA
Paul Mallon

 

The GFA and Other Fairystories
Proinsias O'Loinsaigh

 

Dies IRAe
Ruth Dudley Edwards

 

Conversion of Constantine
Terry O'Neill

 

Republican Prisoner Attacked in Hydebank YOC

IRPWA

 

Civil Rights Veterans on Prison Situation
October 5th Association

 

8 December 2003

 

Electing to Disagree
Brendan O'Neill

 

The GFA Revisited

Gerry Ruddy

 

The Problem With the Kurds
Pedram Moallemian

 

Even Northern Ireland Has Global Responsibilties
Anthony McIntyre

 

Rafah Today: The Tent
Mohammed Omer

 

 

 

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