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08/04/2003
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.
However, their court appearances have descended into farce on numerous occasions and the trio have refused to recognise the legitimacy of the Colombian judicial system, claiming that the conditions for a fair trial do not exist.
If convicted, the men, who allegedly have links to the IRA, could face 20 years in a Colombian prison.
Unionist politicians have already highlighted this point saying the IRA would be in breach of its ceasefire if the men's involvement in training the rebel's were confirmed.
(MB)
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.
However, their court appearances have descended into farce on numerous occasions and the trio have refused to recognise the legitimacy of the Colombian judicial system, claiming that the conditions for a fair trial do not exist.
If convicted, the men, who allegedly have links to the IRA, could face 20 years in a Colombian prison.
Unionist politicians have already highlighted this point saying the IRA would be in breach of its ceasefire if the men's involvement in training the rebel's were confirmed.
(MB)
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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.
18 June 2003
Colombia trial adjourned as evidence rejected
The trial of the three men accused of training FARC guerrillas in Colombia has been adjourned. Judge Jairo Acosta refused to admit documentary evidence that the defence claim is crucial to the case as he adjourned the trail of the three Irishmen until July 28.
Colombia trial adjourned as evidence rejected
The trial of the three men accused of training FARC guerrillas in Colombia has been adjourned. Judge Jairo Acosta refused to admit documentary evidence that the defence claim is crucial to the case as he adjourned the trail of the three Irishmen until July 28.
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.
27 April 2004
Colombia three cleared of Farc connected charges
The three Irishmen accused of training left-wing guerrillas in Colombia have been cleared in court of charges relating to the training of Farc guerillas. However, the men, James Monaghan, Niall Connolly and Martin McAuley, all sentenced on false passports charges, look likely to be held in jail in Bogota pending the outcome of a prosecution appeal.
Colombia three cleared of Farc connected charges
The three Irishmen accused of training left-wing guerrillas in Colombia have been cleared in court of charges relating to the training of Farc guerillas. However, the men, James Monaghan, Niall Connolly and Martin McAuley, all sentenced on false passports charges, look likely to be held in jail in Bogota pending the outcome of a prosecution appeal.
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 WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Largely dry with clear spells at first, a few showers in the north and west. Becoming cloudier with rain spreading east through the early hours. Becoming windy, westerly gales developing along the north coast. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
