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22/08/2001
Colombian authorities charge alleged IRA trio
Colombian prosecutors have formally charged three suspected members of the Provisional IRA with training Marxist guerrillas and carrying false passports.
Colombia’s public prosecutor’s office said Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley and James Monaghan, who had been held at a military base in Bogotá since August 11, would be moved to an unspecified prison while the state prepared its case against them.
Under the Colombian legal system, prosecutors have 240 days to prepare the case before going to trial.
The trio, all from Northern Ireland, are accused of training rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Latin America’s oldest and most powerful guerrilla group, to make bombs and other weapons, which carries a 16-year sentence.
The Attorney General's office said it had enough evidence to proceed with the charge of providing training for Marxist guerrillas from forensic tests and from testimony offered by the men last week.
The trio, linked by Colombian and British officials to the Provisional IRA, were detained at Bogotá airport as they attempted to leave the country. (AMcE)
Colombia’s public prosecutor’s office said Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley and James Monaghan, who had been held at a military base in Bogotá since August 11, would be moved to an unspecified prison while the state prepared its case against them.
Under the Colombian legal system, prosecutors have 240 days to prepare the case before going to trial.
The trio, all from Northern Ireland, are accused of training rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Latin America’s oldest and most powerful guerrilla group, to make bombs and other weapons, which carries a 16-year sentence.
The Attorney General's office said it had enough evidence to proceed with the charge of providing training for Marxist guerrillas from forensic tests and from testimony offered by the men last week.
The trio, linked by Colombian and British officials to the Provisional IRA, were detained at Bogotá airport as they attempted to leave the country. (AMcE)
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30 August 2001
RUC officers aid Colombian investigation in Bogota
Two senior RUC officers have flown into Bogota to aid Colombian authorities with their investigation of the three IRA suspects facing terrorist charges.
RUC officers aid Colombian investigation in Bogota
Two senior RUC officers have flown into Bogota to aid Colombian authorities with their investigation of the three IRA suspects facing terrorist charges.
22 October 2001
Adams admits Sinn Fein link with Colombian trio
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has admitted one of three Irishmen detained in Colombia was Sinn Fein's representative in Cuba. Mr Adams revealed on Monday October 22 that Niall Connolly’s appointment was made without his knowledge or authorisation of the International Department.
Adams admits Sinn Fein link with Colombian trio
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has admitted one of three Irishmen detained in Colombia was Sinn Fein's representative in Cuba. Mr Adams revealed on Monday October 22 that Niall Connolly’s appointment was made without his knowledge or authorisation of the International Department.
25 July 2002
Hearing scheduled for men accused of training FARC rebels
The three men accused of assisting FARC guerrillas in Colombia have had a date of October 4 set for the preliminary hearing into their case.
Hearing scheduled for men accused of training FARC rebels
The three men accused of assisting FARC guerrillas in Colombia have had a date of October 4 set for the preliminary hearing into their case.
08 April 2003
Colombia Three back in court
Three Irishmen are set to appear in a Colombian court today accused of training left wing guerrillas in the use of explosives and other terrorist techniques. Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley and James Monaghan have been held in custody for almost 18 months following their arrest in connection with alleged training of FARC rebels.
Colombia Three back in court
Three Irishmen are set to appear in a Colombian court today accused of training left wing guerrillas in the use of explosives and other terrorist techniques. Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley and James Monaghan have been held in custody for almost 18 months following their arrest in connection with alleged training of FARC rebels.
15 August 2001
Colombians begin questioning IRA suspects
Colombian authorities have begun interviewing three IRA suspects arrested in Bogotá last Saturday on charges of training Marxist rebels. The Colombian army have said they have strong evidence as part of their prosecution including secret film against the trio, Martin McCauley, James Monaghan and Niall Connolly.
Colombians begin questioning IRA suspects
Colombian authorities have begun interviewing three IRA suspects arrested in Bogotá last Saturday on charges of training Marxist rebels. The Colombian army have said they have strong evidence as part of their prosecution including secret film against the trio, Martin McCauley, James Monaghan and Niall Connolly.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
