Bloody Sunday commemorations dedicated to ongoing Gaza 'genocide'

Derry was awash with Palestinian flags yesterday as thousands marched through the city for the annual Bloody Sunday march.

A large crowd gathered for a cross community memorial service this morning for those who died on Bloody Sunday.

Political and religious leaders joined the Bloody Sunday families for the short ceremony at the Rossville Street monument, close to where many of the victims were shot.

Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, Rev David Jennings, Rev David Latimer and Dr Hassan of the NW Islamic Association led a short service.

A minute’s silence was held after which the wreaths were laid, during which the names of those killed and injured were read out. The Mayor of Derry Patricia Logue was among those who laid floral tributes.

Gerry Duddy, whose brother Jackie was murdered on Bloody Sunday, delivered a speech highlighting the ongoing case against Soldier F.

“Soldier F murdered five of our family members on Bloody Sunday, although he is charged with only two murders and attempted murder of five others. This is a disgrace,” he said.

“But at least he is charged and we hope that a conviction for the Wray and McKinney families will be a conviction for us all.

“We will not give up on this.”

Mr Duddy hit out at the Government's Legacy Bill. He described it as shameful and terrible.

“While this act should not affect us, we remain acutely aware of all the other families that this terrible act will rob.

“It will stop them from getting to the truth and justice. This act has been passed to prevent proper investigations of the British crimes that were committed on our streets.”

He added: “We stand with all of those families who have been affected by this act and we stand with all of those who are fighting against it.”

Speaking about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Mr Duddy said this year's Bloody Sunday commemorations were dedicated to the people of Palestine.

“This year as we remember Bloody Sunday, we do so in the dark shadow of genocide being carried out against innocent people in another part of the world.”

Mr Duddy said the Israeli Government's actions in Gaza 'must be treated as a war crime'.

Meanwhile, several thousand people braved the wet weather to take part in the annual Bloody Sunday march.

The ‘March for Justice’ followed the same route of the original Bloody Sunday demonstration, from Creggan shops through the Brandywell and Bogside before ending at Free Derry Corner. Yesterday’s parade was led by people carrying white crosses in memory of those killed on Bloody Sunday.

The march was a sea of Palestinian flags and banners in support of the Palestinian people.

The main speaker at the march was Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action.

Palestine Action is a direct action network that aims to end British complicity with the colonisation of Palestine.

Ms Ammori is one of the 'Elbit Eight' who were recently acquitted by a jury on nine out of 13 charges arising from direct action they took against factories and offices owned or leased by Elbit.

She told the crowd that she was 'honoured as a Palestinian' to be asked to deliver this year's address at the 'March for Justice'.

“When I'm in Derry, I feel like I'm at home because I know the people of Derry stand with Palestine.

“I know they will always stand with Palestine and I know they will never welcome collaborators with the Zionist regime.”

Ms Ammori praised the Raytheon 9 for their 'direct action' against the arms manufacturer.

Also speaking was Geraldine Doherty, niece of Gerald Donaghey, shot dead aged 17 on Bloody Sunday.

Ms Doherty said her uncle and many like him were still being 'denied justice'.

“The British Government can not be allowed to close legacy investigations, be they in Derry, Belfast or anywhere on this island.”

See Thursday's Derry News for more coverage.