Police have been asked to investigate the erection of a banner in support of a former British soldier facing murder charges in relation to Bloody Sunday.
The banner, bearing the message “Garvagh supports Soldier F” was erected across the County Derry town’s main street overnight on Monday. A number of Parachute regiment flags have also been erected.
A former member of the Parachute regiment, Soldier F is facing murder charges in relation to the killing of Bloody Sunday victims, Jim Wray and William McKinney. He is also to be charged in connection with the wounding of others on Bloody Sunday.
The decision by the Public Prosecution Service to prosecute Soldier F, and other former members of the British army, sparked a series of protests in Northern Ireland along with a major demonstration in London. Parachute regiment flags and banners have also been erected at various places in the North.
However, SDLP assembly member, John Dallat believed the erection of the Garvagh banner was in breach of “hate laws”. Mr Dallat said he has been inundated with complaints from business people from both sides of the community. He said he has asked police to investigate the matter and to have the banner removed.
“The banner is not a true reflection of the people of Garvagh. People realise that terrible things were done in the past and those involved should be brought to justice, whether it is the British army or others, it makes no difference.
“This banner is an incitement to hatred. It is everything that the people of Garvagh do not want as an image of their village,” he said.
The banner has also been condemned by Sinn Féin councillor Sean Bateson, who said it was designed to hurt the victims of Bloody Sunday and to cause community division.
“The banner proclaiming support for a murder suspect is not appropriate,” he said.
