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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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14 August 2001
Trio detained in Colombia are IRA suspects
Three men captured in Colombia, allegedly travelling on false British and Irish passports, are IRA members, according to the commander of the Colombian army. A specialist investigative branch of the Colombian Police, known as the Fiscalia, arrested the three men, in Bogotá El Dorado airport on Saturday August 11.
Trio detained in Colombia are IRA suspects
Three men captured in Colombia, allegedly travelling on false British and Irish passports, are IRA members, according to the commander of the Colombian army. A specialist investigative branch of the Colombian Police, known as the Fiscalia, arrested the three men, in Bogotá El Dorado airport on Saturday August 11.
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.
03 December 2002
'Colombian Three' trial disarray in Bogota
The trial of the three men alleged to have been involved in training Colombian rebels fell into disarray in Bogota today. With the trial due to recommence on Tuesday December 3, two key witnesses for the prosecution, reported to be FARC deserters, who were lined up to give evidence for the prosecution could not be found.
'Colombian Three' trial disarray in Bogota
The trial of the three men alleged to have been involved in training Colombian rebels fell into disarray in Bogota today. With the trial due to recommence on Tuesday December 3, two key witnesses for the prosecution, reported to be FARC deserters, who were lined up to give evidence for the prosecution could not be found.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
