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January 30th, 1972 stands as among the most deadly – and momentous – days during thirty years of conflict in Northern Ireland.

Throughout the area of the incident – the images of that fateful day are painted on the structures and seared in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was held on a chilly yet clear afternoon in the city.

The march was opposing the system of internment – holding suspects without legal proceedings – which had been established after an extended period of violence.

Troops from the specialized division fatally wounded multiple civilians in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly republican population.

A specific visual became notably memorable.

Images showed a religious figure, the priest, waving a stained with blood white handkerchief while attempting to protect a group moving a teenager, the injured teenager, who had been killed.

Media personnel documented considerable film on the day.

Historical records includes the priest explaining to a reporter that troops "just seemed to fire in all directions" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.

The narrative of events was rejected by the first inquiry.

The initial inquiry determined the Army had been fired upon initially.

In the resolution efforts, the ruling party established another inquiry, after campaigning by surviving kin, who said Widgery had been a cover-up.

In 2010, the conclusion by Lord Saville said that on balance, the soldiers had initiated shooting and that none of the victims had posed any threat.

At that time head of state, the leader, apologised in the government chamber – stating fatalities were "unjustified and inexcusable."

Authorities commenced examine the incident.

A military veteran, identified as the accused, was prosecuted for homicide.

Accusations were made over the deaths of one victim, twenty-two, and twenty-six-year-old the second individual.

The defendant was also accused of seeking to harm several people, other civilians, further individuals, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.

Exists a legal order preserving the veteran's privacy, which his attorneys have argued is essential because he is at danger.

He stated to the examination that he had solely shot at persons who were possessing firearms.

The statement was dismissed in the official findings.

Material from the investigation could not be used straightforwardly as proof in the legal proceedings.

In the dock, the veteran was screened from view using a privacy screen.

He spoke for the initial occasion in the proceedings at a proceeding in late 2024, to reply "not guilty" when the allegations were read.

Family members of the victims on Bloody Sunday made the trip from Londonderry to Belfast Crown Court daily of the proceedings.

John Kelly, whose sibling was fatally wounded, said they understood that listening to the trial would be difficult.

"I visualize everything in my memory," he said, as we walked around the primary sites referenced in the case – from the street, where Michael was fatally wounded, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where James Wray and William McKinney were died.

"It even takes me back to my location that day.

"I assisted with my brother and place him in the vehicle.

"I relived each detail during the testimony.

"Notwithstanding having to go through the process – it's still valuable for me."