Sinn Féin's "March for Truth" in support of victims of collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and the security forces passed off peacefully in Belfast yesterday.
Some 2,000 protesters from north, south, east and west of the city converged at Belfast City Hall for a rally addressed by Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams.
He said Sinn Féin was determined to campaign until the British state acknowledged its administrative and institutional use of state violence and collusion. "Collusion and shoot-to-kill and torture were inextricable parts of the very fabric of the British system's political and counter-insurgency strategy," he said.
The event, which has been criticised by other nationalist politicians as one-sided and inappropriate, featured Republican flute bands and people dressed up as British soldiers and alleged loyalist paramilitaries. There was a minimal police presence.
Many of the crowd carried photographs of victims.
Marchers also carried images of dead hunger-strikers. After a minute's silence, several hundred black balloons were released.
"If there is to be an inclusive healing process and a genuine process of reconciliation then the British government must face up to its responsibilities."
Mr Adams claimed that republicans "have acknowledged many times the hurt they have inflicted".
"I have expressed my personal and sincere regret and apologised for that hurt. I do so again today."
SDLP councillor Declan O'Loan said he believed justice for victims was a fundamental issue for society but that Sinn Féin refused to acknowledge its part in the taking of life.
"Quick expressions of regret for certain of those deaths is not enough. There seems to be a view among some that these easy expressions of regret can undo the deep hurt and damage that was done in the past. It can't," he said.