Ballymurphy march marks 50th anniversary of Army shootings

A march has taken place in west Belfast to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of 10 people in the wake of an Army operation in the Ballymurphy area.

In May, an inquest found that the victims were "entirely innocent".

They included a priest trying to help the wounded and a mother of eight. Nine of the 10 victims were killed by the Army, the coroner said.

The shootings in August 1971 happened after the introduction of internment in Northern Ireland.

It was a security operation in which paramilitary suspects were detained without trial.

Organisers of Sunday's anniversary event described it as a "Ballymurphy Massacre March for Truth". Relatives of those killed 50 years ago took part.

"We are remembering our loved ones," a spokesperson for the organisers said.

"What we need to also do is send a clear message to the British government that all victims are united against the Tories latest proposal on an amnesty."

Last month, the government announced proposals to deal with the legacy of the Troubles, including the possibility of a ban on all prosecutions.

The proposal would also end future inquests and civil actions

Some victims' groups and Stormont's executive parties have expressed opposition to the proposals.

On Sunday, Janet Donnelly, whose father, Joseph Murphy, was killed at Ballymurphy condemned the government's plan.

She said: "Murder is murder. Who has the right to say one person can murder someone and walk away scot-free? It is wrong."

Briege Voyle, whose mother, Joan Connolly, was among those killed, said it was hard to believe the events were 50 years ago.

"Another year, another march for truth and justice," she said.

"But this year is like no other, for this year I can stand here and say my name is Briege Voyle and my mummy was Joan and was entirely innocent."

Carmel Quinn, the sister of victim John Laverty, said families would "not be silenced" about what happened.

She explained: "For 50 years we have lived with the loss of our John, for 50 years we have carried an unbearable pain in our hearts and the British government lied to cover up its actions.

"Our John had his whole life ahead of him. He was a loving son and brother," she continued.

John Teggart, whose father, Danny, was killed, said victims' groups were united in their opposition to the proposals.

"We are all saying with the same voice 'take these proposals off the table'," he said.

Mr Teggart said felt the prime minister's apology to the Ballymurphy families was "insincere" given that it came at the same time that the legacy plan was being worked upon.

The prime minister publicly apologised to the families of the 10 people killed, after the inquest findings.

Boris Johnson told the House of Commons: "No apology can lessen their lasting pain."

"I hope they may take some comfort in the answers they have secured and in knowing this has renewed the government's determination to ensure in future that other families can find answers without distress and delay, " he added.