December Civil resistance campaign launched. 1972 January British army paratroopers attack anti-internment march in Derry City and kill 14 civilians. British inquiry exonerated the soldiers but said none of the victims were armed. Out-cry in Ireland and internationally. March Stormont parliament suspended by British after 51 years existence since partition of Ireland in 1921.
Some internees released as British impose direct rule on north-east Ireland.
May Dublin introduce Special Court without a jury to try political offences. June Hunger-strike in Long Kesh prison camp by Republican prisoners for political status. Truce arranged between IRA and British government. July Talks take place between both sides in London but truce breaks down as British troops in Belfast openly take sides with UDA against nationalist population. More refugees go south.