07/05/2002

DUP leader warned he must attend Saville Inquiry

The Democratic Unionist Party leader Ian Paisley has been warned he must attend the Bloody Sunday Inquiry in Londonderry on Wednesday.

The DUP leader was given the warning after his failure to turn up on Tuesday to give evidence in person to the Inquiry sitting in Derry, which is examining the events of 30 January 1972 when 13 civilians were shot dead by British Army soldiers during a civil rights march in the city. A 14th person died later.

Dr Paisley, who was issued a witness summons last week, was expected to explain to the Inquiry why his party called off a counter demonstration planned for the same day outside the Guildhall – the same final destination of the civil rights march.

However Dr Paisley failed to show on Tuesday citing pressing Stormont Assembly business.

Lord Saville said it seemed that Dr Paisley was giving the tribunal the run-around with regard to his appearance.

He added that if Dr Paisley failed to show by 9.30am on Wednesday morning the inquiry would begin contempt proceedings against him.

(AMcE)


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