28/08/2001
IRA suspects held in Colombia may be tried in UK
The three IRA suspects detained in Colombia could be tried in the UK if there is no prosecution in Colombia.
Justice spokesperson for the Alliance Party, Dr Stephen Farry, said: “The arrest of the three IRA suspects in Colombia raises serious questions about the true intention of the republican movement. The notion that the IRA could be exporting their terror techniques to other conflicts, leading to more brutal killings of Colombians, is disturbing.”
Dr Farry said while it remained to be seen if the Colombian authorities could successfully prosecute the men, he thought it was possible that convictions could be brought against the men through the UK courts.
He said: “The British authorities should consider this possibility, and retain the option of a domestic prosecution if the appropriate circumstances arise.”
Under the Terrorism Act passed last year the men could be charged for terrorist activities outside the UK.
Although the legislation was primarily intended to stop the UK becoming a refuge for international terrorists, it could be used to bring charges.
Clause 54 of the Act makes specific references to training in the use of explosives and firearms as a terrorist offence. (SP)
Justice spokesperson for the Alliance Party, Dr Stephen Farry, said: “The arrest of the three IRA suspects in Colombia raises serious questions about the true intention of the republican movement. The notion that the IRA could be exporting their terror techniques to other conflicts, leading to more brutal killings of Colombians, is disturbing.”
Dr Farry said while it remained to be seen if the Colombian authorities could successfully prosecute the men, he thought it was possible that convictions could be brought against the men through the UK courts.
He said: “The British authorities should consider this possibility, and retain the option of a domestic prosecution if the appropriate circumstances arise.”
Under the Terrorism Act passed last year the men could be charged for terrorist activities outside the UK.
Although the legislation was primarily intended to stop the UK becoming a refuge for international terrorists, it could be used to bring charges.
Clause 54 of the Act makes specific references to training in the use of explosives and firearms as a terrorist offence. (SP)
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News that the IRA have withdrawn their commitment to disarm has been met with grim resignation by political figures and establishments in the north.
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17 August 2001
Men held in Colombia deny IRA links
Three alleged IRA suspects arrested in Colombia earlier this week have denied links with the Provisional IRA or Colombian guerrillas. According to the Colombian Attorney’s Office the men, James Monaghan, Martin McCauley and Niall Connelly, insist they were in the safe haven of the Colombian guerrillas simply as tourists.
Men held in Colombia deny IRA links
Three alleged IRA suspects arrested in Colombia earlier this week have denied links with the Provisional IRA or Colombian guerrillas. According to the Colombian Attorney’s Office the men, James Monaghan, Martin McCauley and Niall Connelly, insist they were in the safe haven of the Colombian guerrillas simply as tourists.
16 October 2002
Second court no-show for Colombia Three
The three suspected IRA men arrested in Bogota last year have once again refused to attend court for a preliminary hearing. It is the second time the men have refused to attend a court hearing, having remained in their cells for the original court date last week.
Second court no-show for Colombia Three
The three suspected IRA men arrested in Bogota last year have once again refused to attend court for a preliminary hearing. It is the second time the men have refused to attend a court hearing, having remained in their cells for the original court date last week.
04 October 2002
'Colombia Three' trial begins in Bogota
UPDATE: The trial of the three suspected IRA men arrested at an airport in Colombia for allegedly training Marxist Farc guerrillas last year was postponed on Friday when the three accused men refused to leave their cells.
'Colombia Three' trial begins in Bogota
UPDATE: The trial of the three suspected IRA men arrested at an airport in Colombia for allegedly training Marxist Farc guerrillas last year was postponed on Friday when the three accused men refused to leave their cells.
24 April 2002
IRA again deny any Colombian involvement
The IRA has again denied any involvement with left-wing guerrillas in Colombia ahead of a US Congressional hearing into alleged links between the two groups.
IRA again deny any Colombian involvement
The IRA has again denied any involvement with left-wing guerrillas in Colombia ahead of a US Congressional hearing into alleged links between the two groups.
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