SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has been condemned after using his Parliamentary privileges to name Soldier F during a debate in Parliament.
Soldier F had previously been granted anonymity in the courts due to personal safety concerns, facing two murder charges and five attempted murder charges for his role in Bloody Sunday.
East Londonderry TUV representative Jordan Armstrong criticised Mr Eastwood’s actions, saying: “The naming of Solider F under parliamentary privilege today was reckless and irresponsible.
“The courts have decided that if this man is named, there is a prospect of his life being in danger, yet Mr Eastwood has decided that courting popularity is more important than that.
“His conduct is frankly disgusting and an abuse of parliamentary privilege.
“Solider F has not been found guilty by any court. There is little point in Mr Eastwood claiming concern about the rule of law being undermined and then acting as judge and jury himself in this case”.
Column Eastwood defended his decision, telling the media: “Bloody Sunday families have waited too long for justice.
“Today, I named Soldier F in the House of Commons. He has been afforded anonymity for 50 years. The British government want to give him an amnesty now. This can’t be allowed to stand.”
