Northern Irish nationalists call for end to British occupation

Irish Nationalists call for an end to British rule in Northern Ireland as they commemorate the establishment of the Irish Free State, which encompasses 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland.

Meanwhile, six counties in Northern Ireland remain part of the United Kingdom.

In Derry's Bogside, the community's harrowing past under British forces is inescapable; murals vividly depict the struggle, monuments honor fallen freedom fighters, while school children participate in educational tours of the area.

The area is also home to a museum that draws large crowds, keeping its history alive.

• Northern Irish nationalists demand end to British occupation
  

  Northern Irish nationalists demand end to British occupation

  Nationalists in Northern Ireland call for an end to British rule as they commemorate 102 years since the establishment of the Irish Free State, which encompasses 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland.

Local activists believe a united Ireland could become a reality within the next decade.

There's [sic] only 6 million people on the island. For us to have two economic systems, two healthcare systems, two educational systems, two agricultural system, It's far too expensive. I think the economics of the situation will dictate the unification of island now at this stage.

Declan Mc Laughlin, Bloody Sunday Trust

Friday, December 6, marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922 yet over a century later, Northern Ireland remains partitioned.

The period known as 'The Troubles' was marred by numerous atrocities committed by occupying forces.

For example, in 1972 members of the British Army shot 26 unarmed civilians during a protest march here in Derry's Bogside, 14 innocent Catholics were murdered in cold blood.

• Britain’s legacy of shame
  

  Britain’s legacy of shame

  The bloody history of British soldiers in Northern Ireland has been shocking in its brutality and its longevity

It was the worst mass shooting in Northern Ireland's history and had the effect of throwing fuel on the flames of conflict.

One powerful image from the troubles has resonated globally; 19-year-old Billy McVeigh standing defiantly against the British Army, armed with nothing but a brick.

This iconic moment has been immortalized by Palestinian supporters on T-shirts and even as tattoos.

• Ireland remembers 1916 Easter Rising against British colonialism
  

  Ireland remembers 1916 Easter Rising against British colonialism

  Irish republicans marked the anniversary of the Easter Rising against British colonialism and the Proclamation of the independent Irish Republic in 1916.

Today, that young man is 72 years old.

I've witnessed the slaughter on the streets here and the blood run down the street. I had people shot dead right beside me, as close as you are, and her blood was coming towards me, and we were waiting to get killed.

They were going to kill us all. You know, I still get night sweats.

These things can't be forgotten the slaughter that they caused, the torture.

I've been to a place called Valley Kelly, a torture chamber, a gun put down my throat, pulled the trigger two or three times, you know, brought Alsatian dogs on to me.

Billy McVeigh

On the bog side, the murals and flags stand as a testament to a community's unyielding spirit and its enduring hope for unity and freedom.

• Northern Ireland highlights commitment to armed resistance against imperialism
  

  Northern Ireland highlights commitment to armed resistance against imperialism

  A controversial republican Easter commemoration was held in Northern Ireland’s city of Derry.

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