Veterans’ silent Friday protest
The Sleaford Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club meets regularly in the town. Member Eugene ‘Andy’ Anderson said he and colleagues object to the persecution of British Army veterans being used as ‘scapegoats’ by the Government and the potential prosecution of Soldier F after Paratroopers were accused of opening fire on a civil rights rally in Derry, Northern Ireland in 1972, killing 14 people and injuring 14 others.
On the same day around 15,000 veterans descended on Horse Guards Parade in London to protest against the decision to prosecute their comrades. With some unable to travel, the Breakfast Club decided to show its support locally.
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Hide AdA veteran of three tours in Northern Ireland with the Royal Engineers, Mr Anderson said they did not object to soldiers being fairly prosecuted for wrongdoings, but feared it would be hard to get a fair trial for Soldier F, while seven others are also due to be prosecuted.
He said: “If you are going to prosecute, then lift the amnesty and pardon and prosecute the terrorists as well for committing atrocities of torture and murder.”