Army shooting victims' families push for probe

Relatives of 11 people killed by the British Army in disputed circumstances will meet TDs today as they step up the campaign to have their names cleared.

The victims, including a Catholic priest, were shot dead by soldiers over three days from August 9 1971 in the Ballymurphy area of west Belfast amid sectarian violence.

All 11 were unarmed and were not members of any terrorist group.

The families of the dead, who are supported by the Relatives for Justice group, are pushing for an independent investigation and apologies from the British government and the parachute regiment.

Andree Murphy, spokeswoman for the families, said it was one of the first steps to declarations of innocence.

“They are very much at the beginning of their campaign seeking this support at home,” she said.

Representatives from all political parties have been invited to attend a day-long meeting in Dublin.

They have written to Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern and it is understood an official from his department is to meet relatives.

The killings took place amid fierce sectarian violence after the introduction of internment.

Army authorities claimed soldiers believed the 11 dead were carrying guns or had been involved in shootings but inquests rejected these claims.