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27/04/2004
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.
On the secondary charges, Monaghan received 44 months, McAuley received 36 months and Connolly received 26 months.
The three men were arrested in August 2001 as they stepped off a plane from an area which was a stronghold of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).
Local authorities had claimed the men were training left-wing Farc rebels in the use of explosives and were using false documentation.
During the legal proceedings the men had refused to appear before a Colombian court because they claimed they would not receive a fair trial and that they feared for their safety.
However, last July, in their first and last court appearance, they denied all charges against them.
(MB)
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.
On the secondary charges, Monaghan received 44 months, McAuley received 36 months and Connolly received 26 months.
The three men were arrested in August 2001 as they stepped off a plane from an area which was a stronghold of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).
Local authorities had claimed the men were training left-wing Farc rebels in the use of explosives and were using false documentation.
During the legal proceedings the men had refused to appear before a Colombian court because they claimed they would not receive a fair trial and that they feared for their safety.
However, last July, in their first and last court appearance, they denied all charges against them.
(MB)
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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.
17 October 2002
Colombia Three 'have case to answer' says judge
A Colombian court has ruled that the three suspected IRA men, alleged to have been involved in training anti-government Farc guerrillas, have "a case to answer". In yesterday afternoon's ruling, Judge Jairo Acosta said that the case would go forward and set the date for the beginning of the trial for December 2.
Colombia Three 'have case to answer' says judge
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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.
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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.
