Human Rights Watch welcomed the decision of the British government to establish a new, independent inquiry into the events of January 30, 1972, commonly known as Bloody Sunday.
Human Rights Watch has long argued that the original tribunal of inquiry, the Widgery Tribunal, was veiled in secrecy, subject to political influence, and negligent in its failure to consider crucial eye-witness testimony. The discovery last year of new evidence concerning the conduct of the armed forces on Bloody Sunday further underscores the necessity of establishing the new inquiry.
"The relatives of victims have a right to know the truth about the events of Bloody Sunday." said Holly Cartner, Executive Director, Human Rights Watch, Europe and Central Asia Division. "An independent inquiry with full judicial powers is the only means by which that truth can now be told. Moreover, the British government sends a strong signal to all the people of Northern Ireland that transparent mechanisms of accountability for alleged human rights violations will be encouraged and fully supported. This message makes an important contribution to the development of an authentic human rights culture in Northern Ireland."
Human Rights Watch will monitor the progress of the new inquiry concerning its composition, mandate, relationship to the office of the public prosecutor and openness to the Bloody Sunday relatives in an effort to ensure that the inquiry provides a full and comprehensive opportunity for public accountability for the tragic events of Bloody Sunday.
