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27/05/2004
Judge dismisses Real IRA charges
The Real IRA, the paramilitary terrorist group that carried out the bombing of Omagh that killed 29 people, is not a terrorist organisation, according to a judge's ruling yesterday.
In his ruling yesterday, Mr Justice Girvan sitting at Belfast Crown Court cleared four men of membership of the dissident Republican organisation, ruling that the pertinent legislation did not specifically proscribe the Real Irish Republican Army.
The four suspects, Sean Dillon (27) and Kevin Murphy (33) both from Coalisland, Donald Mullan (33) from Dungannon, and Brendan O'Connor (26) from Pomeroy, still face charges relating to conspiracy to murder and possession of a rocket launcher in February 2003.
Relatives of the victims of the Omagh bombing have expressed their disbelief at the ruling. Michael Gallagher, who lost his son in the attack, said he was "left without words" by the ruling.
The government, however, has expressed its concern at the ruling that the Real IRA is not a proscribed organisation under Section 3 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
A Northern Ireland Office spokesman said: "The government is very concerned at this ruling and the DPP is forwarding a report to the Attorney General with a view to an appeal. The government is clear that RIRA should be a proscribed organisation."
A splinter dissident paramilitary group, the Real IRA, broke away from the Provisional IRA, in 1997 over disagreement with the decision by Sinn Fein to attempt to pursue a political resolution through the Good Friday Agreement and a continued Republican paramilitary ceasefire.
(SP)
In his ruling yesterday, Mr Justice Girvan sitting at Belfast Crown Court cleared four men of membership of the dissident Republican organisation, ruling that the pertinent legislation did not specifically proscribe the Real Irish Republican Army.
The four suspects, Sean Dillon (27) and Kevin Murphy (33) both from Coalisland, Donald Mullan (33) from Dungannon, and Brendan O'Connor (26) from Pomeroy, still face charges relating to conspiracy to murder and possession of a rocket launcher in February 2003.
Relatives of the victims of the Omagh bombing have expressed their disbelief at the ruling. Michael Gallagher, who lost his son in the attack, said he was "left without words" by the ruling.
The government, however, has expressed its concern at the ruling that the Real IRA is not a proscribed organisation under Section 3 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
A Northern Ireland Office spokesman said: "The government is very concerned at this ruling and the DPP is forwarding a report to the Attorney General with a view to an appeal. The government is clear that RIRA should be a proscribed organisation."
A splinter dissident paramilitary group, the Real IRA, broke away from the Provisional IRA, in 1997 over disagreement with the decision by Sinn Fein to attempt to pursue a political resolution through the Good Friday Agreement and a continued Republican paramilitary ceasefire.
(SP)
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17 May 2005
Police question man in connection with Omagh bombing
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11 January 2013
Omagh Bomb Men Seek To Overturn Ruling
Two men held responsible for the Omagh bombing in 1998 are seeking to have the ruling overturned by the European Court of Human Rights. Jailed Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt and Liam Campbell are to challenge the ruling, due reportedly to their lawyers’ inability to cross-examine an FBI spy whose evidence was central to the case against them.
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Two men held responsible for the Omagh bombing in 1998 are seeking to have the ruling overturned by the European Court of Human Rights. Jailed Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt and Liam Campbell are to challenge the ruling, due reportedly to their lawyers’ inability to cross-examine an FBI spy whose evidence was central to the case against them.
30 June 2004
Appeal Court rules 'Real' IRA is an illegal organisation
The Court of Appeal in Belfast, overturning an earlier Crown Court decision, has ruled that the 'Real' IRA is an illegal terrorist organisation.
Appeal Court rules 'Real' IRA is an illegal organisation
The Court of Appeal in Belfast, overturning an earlier Crown Court decision, has ruled that the 'Real' IRA is an illegal terrorist organisation.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
