Menu
17/10/2002
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.
Yesterday's hearing in the Colombian capital, Bogota, went ahead despite the detainees' refusal to attend. It was the second time in two weeks that they had stayed in their cells in protest at what they describe as "a barrage of prejudice".
The Colombia Three – Jim Monaghan, Martin McCauley and Niall Connolly – were arrested at Bogota International Airport in August last year for carrying false Irish passports. They were subsequently charged with assisting in training Farc guerrillas in a west Colombian "safe haven".
Whilst they did not appear in court, a declaration – signed by all three – was read out on their behalf which claimed that the trio were tourists, in Colombia to learn from peace initiatives between Farc and the government. They further claimed their "lives have been in constant danger" whilst in Colombian prisons.
They added: "We visited Colombia to get to know the people, the natural beauty and the peace process between President Andres Pastrana and the Farc guerrillas."
The declaration also claimed that the case had been tainted by prejudicial statements, which endangered the prospects for a fair trial.
"After our arrest, high-ranking Colombian officials made numerous declarations saying that we are guilty and should be convicted. This is a violation of our rights and internationally recognised guarantees," the statement read.
The declaration cited an article by President Andres Pastrana in the 'Washington Post' which stated that "IRA members were captured in Colombia after training Farc guerrillas in urban terrorism”.
The declaration continued: "Since the original allegations shortly after our arrest, we have been subjected to a barrage of prejudice. Press and media stories alleging our guilt have been published practically every week since our arrest.
"The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle of international law. We are innocent until proven guilty and entitled to challenge any evidence adduced at a public trial."
The three men then called on the Irish government to send an official legal observer to the trial.
The arraignment hearing also took witness statements from Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly and former Sinn Fein press officer Danny Morrison.
(GMcG)
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.
Yesterday's hearing in the Colombian capital, Bogota, went ahead despite the detainees' refusal to attend. It was the second time in two weeks that they had stayed in their cells in protest at what they describe as "a barrage of prejudice".
The Colombia Three – Jim Monaghan, Martin McCauley and Niall Connolly – were arrested at Bogota International Airport in August last year for carrying false Irish passports. They were subsequently charged with assisting in training Farc guerrillas in a west Colombian "safe haven".
Whilst they did not appear in court, a declaration – signed by all three – was read out on their behalf which claimed that the trio were tourists, in Colombia to learn from peace initiatives between Farc and the government. They further claimed their "lives have been in constant danger" whilst in Colombian prisons.
They added: "We visited Colombia to get to know the people, the natural beauty and the peace process between President Andres Pastrana and the Farc guerrillas."
The declaration also claimed that the case had been tainted by prejudicial statements, which endangered the prospects for a fair trial.
"After our arrest, high-ranking Colombian officials made numerous declarations saying that we are guilty and should be convicted. This is a violation of our rights and internationally recognised guarantees," the statement read.
The declaration cited an article by President Andres Pastrana in the 'Washington Post' which stated that "IRA members were captured in Colombia after training Farc guerrillas in urban terrorism”.
The declaration continued: "Since the original allegations shortly after our arrest, we have been subjected to a barrage of prejudice. Press and media stories alleging our guilt have been published practically every week since our arrest.
"The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle of international law. We are innocent until proven guilty and entitled to challenge any evidence adduced at a public trial."
The three men then called on the Irish government to send an official legal observer to the trial.
The arraignment hearing also took witness statements from Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly and former Sinn Fein press officer Danny Morrison.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
03 September 2002
Trimble meets Colombian vice president over alleged IRA links
First Minister David Trimble has met with the Colombian vice president at the Earth Summit in Johannesburg to discuss matters relating to the three suspected IRA men who were arrested for allegedly training Farc guerrillas last year.
Trimble meets Colombian vice president over alleged IRA links
First Minister David Trimble has met with the Colombian vice president at the Earth Summit in Johannesburg to discuss matters relating to the three suspected IRA men who were arrested for allegedly training Farc guerrillas last year.
25 July 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.
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.
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.
30 July 2003
Colombia three appear before Bogota Court
The three Irish men facing charges relating to the training of left-wing FARC guerrillas in Colombia have made their first appearance in court in Bogota today.
Colombia three appear before Bogota Court
The three Irish men facing charges relating to the training of left-wing FARC guerrillas in Colombia have made their first appearance in court in Bogota today.
-
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.
