Soldiers go to High Court to challenge Saville

Former British soldiers who had been ordered to give their evidence to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry in Derry have challenged the order at the High Court in London.

The legal challenge which is expected to run until Friday was brought by lawyers representing 36 retired and serving servicemen, including members of the Parachute Regiment, who objected to Lord Saville of Newgate’s decision that soldiers had to give their evidence in person in Derry’s guildhall.

Lord Saville also ruled following advice from senior police sources that those giving evidence would receive adequate protection.

However, in court on Monday, lawyers for the soldiers cited Article Two of the European Convention on Human Rights, claiming Lord Saville’s decision was a breach of their ‘right to life’. The lawyers claimed that their lives would be put in danger if they were forced to travel to Derry, scheduled next February.

If upheld the challenge may involve the inquiry relocating to London for the duration or transmitting the soldiers’ evidence by videolink. (AMcE)