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03/12/2002
'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. One man, part of a witness protection programme, could not be located and the other was reported to be in hiding in fear of his life.
Lawyers acting for the three men constested that the witness testimony should not now proceed, and the judge eventually suspended the case until February 7.
On Monday the three men, two from the Republic of Ireland and one from Northern Ireland, refused to appear before the Bogota court as they said that they feared for their safety.
Yesterday a Colombian military officer has given evidence claiming that technology used by the FARC rebels could only have come from abroad.
The three men, arrested last year for travelling under false papers, deny charges of training members of the Marxist FARC guerrilla organisation.
Yesterday the presiding Judge Jairo Acosta moved to ban the Colombian media from covering evidence given by witnesses until the trial had concluded. Defence lawyer acting for the three accused said that media coverage meant that the men had already been unfairly tried and convicted by the media.
Judge Acosta denied pressure to return a guilty verdict and maintained that the court was "impermeable" and would only consider the facts as presented in court.
The Colombian prosecution team insists that they have a case against the three men, including forensic evidence and witnesses who will allege they say the men training rebel FARC guerrillas.
The three men Niall Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley were arrested as they got off a plane from the former FARC territory in the south of the country.
(SP)
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. One man, part of a witness protection programme, could not be located and the other was reported to be in hiding in fear of his life.
Lawyers acting for the three men constested that the witness testimony should not now proceed, and the judge eventually suspended the case until February 7.
On Monday the three men, two from the Republic of Ireland and one from Northern Ireland, refused to appear before the Bogota court as they said that they feared for their safety.
Yesterday a Colombian military officer has given evidence claiming that technology used by the FARC rebels could only have come from abroad.
The three men, arrested last year for travelling under false papers, deny charges of training members of the Marxist FARC guerrilla organisation.
Yesterday the presiding Judge Jairo Acosta moved to ban the Colombian media from covering evidence given by witnesses until the trial had concluded. Defence lawyer acting for the three accused said that media coverage meant that the men had already been unfairly tried and convicted by the media.
Judge Acosta denied pressure to return a guilty verdict and maintained that the court was "impermeable" and would only consider the facts as presented in court.
The Colombian prosecution team insists that they have a case against the three men, including forensic evidence and witnesses who will allege they say the men training rebel FARC guerrillas.
The three men Niall Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley were arrested as they got off a plane from the former FARC territory in the south of the country.
(SP)
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31 July 2003
Colombia three trial enters final stages
The trial of the three Irish men facing charges of training left-wing guerrillas in Colombia is entering its final stages as the lawyers for the defence make their final statements this week. The three men facing charges relating to the training of left-wing FARC guerrillas made their first appearance in court in Bogota yesterday.
Colombia three trial enters final stages
The trial of the three Irish men facing charges of training left-wing guerrillas in Colombia is entering its final stages as the lawyers for the defence make their final statements this week. The three men facing charges relating to the training of left-wing FARC guerrillas made their first appearance in court in Bogota yesterday.
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.
05 October 2016
Two Men Attacked With Baseball Bats In Co Antrim
Two 18-year-old men have been attacked with baseball bats in Whitehead, Co Antrim. The victims were closing premises in the Balmoral Avenue area at around 8.30pm on Tuesday, 04 October when three men assaulted them. Both men were treated in hospital for their injuries. One has been discharged, and the other remains in hospital.
Two Men Attacked With Baseball Bats In Co Antrim
Two 18-year-old men have been attacked with baseball bats in Whitehead, Co Antrim. The victims were closing premises in the Balmoral Avenue area at around 8.30pm on Tuesday, 04 October when three men assaulted them. Both men were treated in hospital for their injuries. One has been discharged, and the other remains in hospital.
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.
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.
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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.
