UP to 200 ex-soldiers and police are being probed for alleged criminal actions during the Troubles, it has emerged.
The investigations come as two government departments fight over whether Army veterans should be granted amnesty.
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The Ministry of Defence estimated the number of cases. It wants to impose a statute of limitations on offences allegedly committed more than ten years ago — unless there are exceptional circumstances or new evidence.
Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Office has told relatives of those killed in the Troubles that the proposals will not apply there, in letters seen by the Guardian.
There are currently three prosecutions against British soldiers, including “Soldier F” — who is accused of murder on Bloody Sunday in 1972.
Some Tory backbenchers have backed protests by past and present service personnel against the court cases.
‘NO RETROSPECTIVE CHARGES’
They include Sir John Hayes MP, who wrote to a squaddie saying there should be no retrospective charges against troops “irrespective of any actions they are alleged to have committed”. But Paul O’Connor, of the Pat Finucane Centre, which supports families of the Troubles’ victims, says he was reassured by Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley there will be no immunity.
He told the Guardian: “She was very clear that she would not introduce any amnesty and that the MoD was doing its own thing and that was about Iraq and Afghanistan.”
A UK Government spokesman said last night: “We have always said that we will not introduce amnesties or immunities from prosecution in Northern Ireland.
“The MoD is looking at what more can be done to provide further legal protection to service personnel and veterans, including considering legislation.”
PA:Press Association
