21/06/2006

Terror suspect gets jury trial

An international terror suspect, who was arrested in west Belfast two and a half years ago, has today won the right to a trial before a jury.

Jaybe Ofrasio, 33, and originally from the Phillipines, had his appeal to the Public Prosecution Service accepted after his lawyers argued that he should not face a Diplock Court as his case did not involve potential jury intimidation.

Mr Ofrasio, who is alleged to have links to an Islamic paramilitary organisation in the Phillipines, was arrested at his home in the Hawthorn Street area, off the Falls Road in west Belfast in January 2004.

He is charged with making money and property available to terrorists.

(EF/SP)

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