Thirteen people were killed and 15 wounded on Bloody Sunday
By David Wilson
BBC News NI
Fifteen former soldiers investigated for perjury over Bloody Sunday will not face any charges, the Bloody Sunday families have said.
A Public Prosecution Service (PPS) announcement is expected later.
The Bloody Sunday families were informed of the decision on Friday morning.
Prosecutors have been deciding if charges will be brought against 15 former soldiers and an alleged IRA member
Thirteen people were shot dead when soldiers opened fire on marchers during a civil rights march in Londonderry on 30 January 1972.
In 2010, Lord Saville’s inquiry report stated some soldiers had knowingly put forward false accounts.
‘Not ruling out’ further legal action
John Kelly, whose brother Michael was killed on Bloody Sunday, said the families “are disappointed and perplexed” by the PPS decision.
“We consider that today’s ruling by the PPS is an affront to the rule of law and a continuation of the injustice that was perpetuated on Bloody Sunday,” he said.
He said while the people of Derry cannot forget the events of Bloody Sunday, “the Parachute Regiment, who caused all of the deaths and injury on that day, apparently cannot recall it”.
Solicitor Ciarán Shiels, who represents some of the victims’ relatives, said the families are disappointed by the PPS decision.
“But they are certainly not fooled by it,” he said.
He added: “We will carefully consider the reasons we have received today and do not rule out the prospect of further legal action”.
