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25/07/2002
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.
Jim Monaghan and Niall Connolly from the Republic of Ireland and Martin McCauley from Northern Ireland were arrested at Bogota's international airport last August and held in connection with having false documents.
The men, also accused of training rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to make bombs and other weapons, have been held at a military base in Bogota since August 11.
Under the Colombian legal system, prosecutors have 240 days to prepare the case before going to trial.
The Colombian army claim the men assisted in training FARC guerrillas over five weeks while they were in a demilitarised area the government handed over to FARC more than two years ago to launch peace talks.
The men could also be sentenced immediately as they have confessed to carrying false passports.
However, they have all denied links with the IRA or Colombian guerrillas.
(MB)
Jim Monaghan and Niall Connolly from the Republic of Ireland and Martin McCauley from Northern Ireland were arrested at Bogota's international airport last August and held in connection with having false documents.
The men, also accused of training rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to make bombs and other weapons, have been held at a military base in Bogota since August 11.
Under the Colombian legal system, prosecutors have 240 days to prepare the case before going to trial.
The Colombian army claim the men assisted in training FARC guerrillas over five weeks while they were in a demilitarised area the government handed over to FARC more than two years ago to launch peace talks.
The men could also be sentenced immediately as they have confessed to carrying false passports.
However, they have all denied links with the IRA or Colombian guerrillas.
(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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
