Father of British Army victim speaks out on Iraq

national | anti-war / imperialism | news report Thursday May 20, 2004 14:07 by Ali la Pointe - fu-fighting anti-imperialistas

Belfast man Peter McBride, father of Peter(19), whose murderers were sent to Basra, speaks out

Speaking today, Peter Mc Bride, whose 18 year old son Peter was killed by British soldiers in Belfast in 1992, gave the reasons for his intention to attend the Derry vigil tomorrow (see link);

"The Scots Guards who shot Peter in the back, after having searched him, were then sent to Basra. What kind of message did that send to the other soldiers based there to be on patrol along with convicted murderers? When John Spellar [currently NIO minister for 'Criminal Justice and Human Rights (!)]and General Mike Jackson decided that the murderers of my son were fit to wear the Queen's uniform they showed total contempt for our family and for justice. Is anyone surprised at the stories now coming out from Iraq? "

Bogside - Basra; occupation spells state murder

The British invasion of Iraq was led by General Mike Jackson. As a captain and unit press officer in the Parachute Regiment Jackson was present in Rossville St on Bloody Sunday. Jackson did not recall any soldiers 'firing their weapons' according to his statement to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry. He is overall Commander of soldiers in Iraqi today, 32 years on.

Jackson also decided that the two Scots Guards who murdered Peter Mc Bride in Belfast could remain in the British Army.

This is also a particularly poignant week for two Derry families who will attend the vigil. Wednesday marked the anniversary of 15 year old Manus Deery's killing when he was shot by a soldier firing from Derry Walls. Saturday is the anniversary of Thomas Friels death. He died after being hit by a rubber bullet in Creggan in 1973.