A former member of the Parachute Regiment has been found not guilty of murder and attempted murder in Londonderry on Bloody Sunday in 1972.
Thirteen people were shot dead and at least 15 others injured on Bloody Sunday in January 1972 at a civil rights demonstration in the Bogside area of Derry.
Soldier F, whose anonymity is protected by a court order, faced charges of murdering James Wray, 22, and William McKinney, 26, as well as five charges of attempted murder.
The judge stated that although members of the Parachute Regiment had shot unarmed civilians as they fled, the evidence against Soldier F did not meet the legal standards required for a conviction.
Belfast Crown Court Judge Patrick Lynch emphasized the loss of military discipline among soldiers during the event, condemning their actions as they opened fire on unarmed civilians.
William McKinney's brother Mickey expressed disappointment at the outcome but highlighted the sense of achievement among the families pursuing justice for decades.
Other reactions include First Minister Michelle O'Neill's remark on the continued denial of justice for victims' families, while veterans' representatives welcomed the verdict, seeing it as a relief for those who served with honor during the Troubles.
The complex legacy of the Troubles continues to evoke strong emotions, as the British government acknowledges the pain caused by past events.
Legal discussions around Soldier F's case highlight critical perspectives on military accountability and whose voices are heard in the ongoing narrative of Northern Ireland's conflict.
