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January 30th, 1972 remains one of the most deadly – and consequential – days in three decades of violence in Northern Ireland.

Throughout the area where events unfolded – the legacy of the tragic events are displayed on the walls and embedded in public consciousness.

A protest demonstration was conducted on a cold but bright day in the city.

The march was opposing the policy of imprisonment without charges – detaining individuals without trial – which had been implemented following an extended period of violence.

Military personnel from the Parachute Regiment fatally wounded 13 people in the neighborhood – which was, and still is, a predominantly Irish nationalist area.

One image became notably iconic.

Pictures showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, using a bloodied white handkerchief in his effort to defend a assembly carrying a teenager, the fatally wounded individual, who had been mortally injured.

Journalists captured extensive video on the day.

Historical records includes the priest informing a media representative that military personnel "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "completely sure" that there was no justification for the gunfire.

This account of events was disputed by the initial investigation.

The Widgery Tribunal found the soldiers had been attacked first.

In the resolution efforts, the ruling party commissioned another inquiry, following pressure by bereaved relatives, who said Widgery had been a inadequate investigation.

That year, the findings by the investigation said that overall, the military personnel had fired first and that not one of the individuals had posed any threat.

The contemporary head of state, the Prime Minister, apologised in the government chamber – stating deaths were "without justification and unjustifiable."

Law enforcement commenced investigate the matter.

A military veteran, known as the accused, was prosecuted for killing.

Accusations were made over the fatalities of the first individual, twenty-two, and twenty-six-year-old another victim.

The defendant was further implicated of seeking to harm several people, other civilians, Joe Mahon, an additional individual, and an unidentified individual.

Exists a judicial decision maintaining the veteran's identity protection, which his lawyers have claimed is necessary because he is at danger.

He stated to the investigation that he had only fired at persons who were possessing firearms.

The statement was rejected in the official findings.

Evidence from the investigation was unable to be used straightforwardly as evidence in the legal proceedings.

During the trial, the accused was hidden from public behind a privacy screen.

He made statements for the initial occasion in the hearing at a hearing in that month, to respond "innocent" when the accusations were read.

Kin of those who were killed on the incident made the trip from the city to Belfast Crown Court every day of the proceedings.

One relative, whose sibling was fatally wounded, said they understood that hearing the trial would be painful.

"I visualize all details in my mind's eye," John said, as we examined the key areas referenced in the proceedings – from the location, where the victim was shot dead, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where the individual and another victim were died.

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

"I participated in moving my brother and put him in the vehicle.

"I experienced again every moment during the proceedings.

"Notwithstanding having to go through all that – it's still valuable for me."