FAMILIES of those cut down by Parachute Regiment soldiers in 1972 are “disgusted” following a social media post by the DUP leader following Thursday’s Soldier F verdict.
The post has been described by a lawyer as “something you’d expect from Jamie Bryson”.
Last week, Soldier F was found not guilty of the murder of two people on Bloody Sunday, and the attempted murder of five others.
Hours after the verdict, leader of the DUP took to social media to express his views on the judgment.
Gavin Robinson posted on X: “I welcome todays (sic) common sense judgement. Soldier F trial has been a painful and protracted process. There needs to be a better way of dealing with the legacy of the past and to ensure no rewriting of it.”
His post was accompanied by an image of the Parachute Regiment’s insignia.
After what has been described as a crushing day for the families involved, following a long campaign for justice, the timing of this tweet has been dubbed as “deliberately offensive”.
Ciarán Shiels, the lawyer representing victims’ relatives at the Soldier F trial, told The Irish News families are disgusted by the post: “It is crass. Families have come to expect this from the likes of Jamie Bryson, and the more vitriolic individuals that dominate social media.
But to see it come from somebody of Mr Robinson’s profile and position, shows just how ingrained the bias and hostility that exists is, even within supposedly mature and responsible elected representatives.
“The families don’t wish to say anything other than that. Other than it is shocking and won’t be forgotten easily. The families don’t want to dignify it with any additional comment other than to register their disgust in it.”
Mr Shiels added: “It’s deliberate, sectarian offensiveness. I have seen Parachute Regiment flags being taken down because they accept it is grossly insensitive… So, it can’t be lost on Robinson that’s exactly what he meant to do… deliberately causing offence and hurt to families who are hurt and wounded on a day which they experienced a very hurtful rejection of their pursuit of justice.
“To do it on that day, it’s calculated. It is appalling. An appallingly offensive and deliberate action designed to offend and hurt bereaved and wounded persons. It’s shocking.”
The DUP was contacted for comment.
In response, Jamie Bryson said: “Soldier F is innocent. That’s the bottom line. Unionism collectively stands behind our brave veterans and I don’t think anyone will ever be apologising for that.”