A rally to show support to military veterans facing prosecution over Troubles-era incidents will be met with republican resistance next month.
The protest has been organised by Paras Fight Back and NI Crown Forces Veterans for Justice (NICFV) and is calling on the British government to “enact protective legislation to safeguard British Military and police personnel whilst they are engaged in the defence of our country and its people".
The rally at Belfast City Hall is also "demanding" the British Government “rescind the findings of the discredited Saville Inquiry and the apologies made by politicians, which were not made in our name".
Republican group Saoradh have today announced they plan to hold a counter rally on the same day to show their opposition.
Bloody Sunday: One former soldier to face murder trial
A spokesperson said: "As Saoradh have shown at these grotesque displays in previous years, we will not be found wanting when it comes to challenging these war criminals on the streets of Ireland’s second city.
"In coming days we will, as always, consult with families affected by state murder and collusion, as well as other organisations and the Republican base in Belfast to formulate a specific course of action.
"Saoradh commit ourselves to empowering Irish citizens who wish to challenge Britain’s War Machine on 27th April. We encourage others to do the same."
'Most if not all Ballymurphy victims were not IRA', ex general admits
Speaking to the News Letter, a spokesperson for NICFV emphasised that "enough is enough".
She added: “It’s not just about the ‘Soldier F’ case from Bloody Sunday – there are five veterans currently facing charges and many, many more on the way.
“And then with the HIU [Historical Inquiries Unit] they will be going after the RUC. The pressure needs to be kept on. We hold our politicians responsible and definitely the British government.”
Karen Bradley apologises for 'insensitive' comments about Troubles killings
John Teggart, of the Ballymurphy families branded this 'Paras Fight Back' rally as "disgusting" and "insulting".
He told Belfast Live: "This rally has been ignited from 14 deaths in Derry and it is an insult not just to the families of Bloody Sunday or Ballymurphy but to the Shankill community also.
"In 1972 these same paras shot dead Robert Johnston and Richie McKinney. The brutality of the paras was also within the unionist community.
"They're a brutal squad who shouldn't have been here at all."
Declassified state files from 1988 show British MPs demanded withdrawal from Northern Ireland
The spokesperson for NICFV said that they expect hundreds of veterans at the rally which will take place at City Hall on April 27 at 12.
Ballymurphy inquest hears paratroopers taunted children of woman shot dead
Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.
Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you want to display on the app's homepage. Plus, our enhanced user experience includes live blogs, video, interactive maps and slick picture galleries. Download it now and get involved.
Click here to get it from the App Store or here for Google Play .
