Letter: Saville inquiry
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Saville inquiry
If Lord Saville of Newdigate's inquiry into the killings in Derry on 30 January 1972 is to have a less implausible outcome than the late Lord Widgery's, he and his colleagues must be given, and be seen to be given, access to all pertinent testimonies. This is a matter in which the British culture of traditional secrecy is inapplicable.
It is reported that official British medical records concerning the persons killed and wounded on Bloody Sunday are being withheld from the public until the year 2047 ("Military accused of lying to 1972 inquiry", 30 January). The bans on publication of the records must be lifted at once, so that quotations may be made in the published report upon the inquiry.
Witnesses will also wish to read them before being summoned to the public hearings. Unless the documents are released for consultation, there is a danger that the objectivity of the inquiry will be called into question before it has even begun.
GEORGE HUXLEY
Trinity College, Dublin
The writer was a Member of the Executive, Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association 1971-72
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments