Why An Amnesty For The Ira

[cassa333]

And not British troops?

The IRA Rae murdering scum. The soldiers doing their job as set out by the government of the day.

I am disgusted and appalled in equal measures at the treatment of our armed forces.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/958595/army-chiefs-british-soldiers-ira-northern-ireland

[Fatalbertfixer]

I totally agree with you cassa,the government should be in court,not the soldiers.

[ichkeria]

This is typical Dsily Express hysteria. This relates, not to an ‘amnesty’ for the IRA or to anyone else, but the new plans for investigation the 1000 or so unsolved killings from the Troubles. While no one wants to see anyone persecuted over old events, the reality is that any system that excluded those killings possibly involving British security forces would simply be a nonstarter. The current state of affairs actually allows citizens to sue ex soldiers for damages and it’s hoped that this judicial approach will put a halt to that.
It isn’t ideal, but I’m afraid that’s the legacy we’re left with

[Old_Geezer]

Indeed. If one puts one sides' investigations into the past in the hope of reconciliation then clearly one needs to be even handed to all sides.

The last thing one should do is deny the very side sent in to do the near impossible task of preventing victimisation and keeping a lid on the terrorist groups. They had hard decisions to make to try to sort the problems and became the ones all others then blamed. If giving out amnesties they should be considered to be given amnesty before anyone else.

[Zacs-Master]

But it isn’t an amnesty, as Ich has explained.

[THECORBYLOON]

What IRA amnesty are you meaning?

[Old_Geezer]

Ich's post wasn't there when I responded, but it looks as if that might be just semantics.

"Tony Blair was behind the infamous IRA comfort letters which were the result of a deal hatched between his government and Sinn Fein.

The letters were messages of assurance sent to more than 200 suspects telling them they were no longer wanted by the police.

Critics said the letters were effectively an amnesty and a “get out of jail free card.”"

[Islay]

Cassa I suggest you read Ich's answer as its very good and correct.

[youngmafbog]

Whatever the weasel words around it I see it as another witch-hunt against our forces. It all seems to be one sided.

Very soon I suspect we will have trouble recruiting into the armed forces and the Police.

[THECORBYLOON]

How many terrorists were gaoled? How many troops were gaoled?

[ToraToraTora]

As usual it's just the anti British having their spiteful way.

[THECORBYLOON]

Are soldiers meant to be exempt from criminal charges?

[Islay]

Anti British? We are talking about Northern Ireland it’s not in Britain you know!!

[ToraToraTora]

we are talking about The British army Islay, do keep up.

[ichkeria]

Here’s a more informative article, with further links, from the Belfast Telegraph.

https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/no-support-for-statute-of-limitations-over-troubles-northern-ireland-secretary-says-36897834.html

[steg]

I’m no anti British, just anti English ;)

[Islay]

Lol steg!!
Well Tora perhaps the British army should have abided by their own rules of combat then!!

[anotheoldgit]

Islay
/// Well Tora perhaps the British army should have abided by their own rules of combat then!! ///

That's rich from one who is forever priding herself, that she comes from a loyal British military family.

[ToraToraTora]

yes steg we know the Scots hate the English, tell me something new!

[steg]

Not all Scots hate the English