Menu
16/10/2002
Second court no-show for Colombia Three
The three suspected IRA men arrested in Bogota last year have once again refused to attend court for a preliminary hearing.
It is the second time the men have refused to attend a court hearing, having remained in their cells for the original court date last week. The three men are protesting over their fears that they will not be able to receive a fair trial given the intense local and international attention resting on the outcome of the case.
Lawyers for the trio say that recent comments from the President, former president and the State Attorney General could also have a prejudicial influence on the trial.
A statement is expected to be read out in court by the men's lawyers explaining their reasons for not turning up.
While the judge is expected to set a date for the men's trial during today's hearing, it is unclear at present what will now happen as a result of the men's absence.
Jim Monaghan, Martin McCauley and Niall Connolly – known as the Colombia Three – were arrested at Bogota's International Airport in August 2001 and charged with crimes relating to the training Farc guerrillas and possession of false passports.
The court case has put further pressure on Sinn Fein with unionists accusing republicans of developing new weapons in South America while participating in the Stormont government.
However, the IRA leadership has denied authorising any action in Colombia and the men have all denied links with the IRA or Colombian guerrillas.
(MB)
It is the second time the men have refused to attend a court hearing, having remained in their cells for the original court date last week. The three men are protesting over their fears that they will not be able to receive a fair trial given the intense local and international attention resting on the outcome of the case.
Lawyers for the trio say that recent comments from the President, former president and the State Attorney General could also have a prejudicial influence on the trial.
A statement is expected to be read out in court by the men's lawyers explaining their reasons for not turning up.
While the judge is expected to set a date for the men's trial during today's hearing, it is unclear at present what will now happen as a result of the men's absence.
Jim Monaghan, Martin McCauley and Niall Connolly – known as the Colombia Three – were arrested at Bogota's International Airport in August 2001 and charged with crimes relating to the training Farc guerrillas and possession of false passports.
The court case has put further pressure on Sinn Fein with unionists accusing republicans of developing new weapons in South America while participating in the Stormont government.
However, the IRA leadership has denied authorising any action in Colombia and the men have all denied links with the IRA or Colombian guerrillas.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
01 August 2018
Three People Charged In Connection With Burglary
Three people are to appear in court charged in connection with burglary offences. Two men, aged 33 & 34, and a woman aged 18, are being charged in relation to two burglaries in north Belfast and one in Limavady on Monday, 30 July. The PSNI said the suspects will appear at Belfast Magistrates Court later this morning, 01 August.
Three People Charged In Connection With Burglary
Three people are to appear in court charged in connection with burglary offences. Two men, aged 33 & 34, and a woman aged 18, are being charged in relation to two burglaries in north Belfast and one in Limavady on Monday, 30 July. The PSNI said the suspects will appear at Belfast Magistrates Court later this morning, 01 August.
23 November 2017
Three People Left Shaken After Masked Men Enter House In L'Derry
Three people, including a young boy, have been left shaken after masked men entered their home in Co L'Derry. The incident happened in the O'Casey Court area at around 9.50pm on Wednesday, 22 November. Two women, aged in their 60's and 40's, and a young boy were in the property at the time. Police believe one of the men may have had a firearm.
Three People Left Shaken After Masked Men Enter House In L'Derry
Three people, including a young boy, have been left shaken after masked men entered their home in Co L'Derry. The incident happened in the O'Casey Court area at around 9.50pm on Wednesday, 22 November. Two women, aged in their 60's and 40's, and a young boy were in the property at the time. Police believe one of the men may have had a firearm.
25 February 2002
Omagh bomb investigators arrest three men
Three men have been arrested in the Republic of Ireland in connection with the Omagh bombing in 1998. One man in his 20s and another in his 30s were arrested in Monaghan on Sunday morning and a third man in 30s was arrested in Co Louth on Monday morning. The three men were taken to Carrickmacross Garda station to be questioned.
Omagh bomb investigators arrest three men
Three men have been arrested in the Republic of Ireland in connection with the Omagh bombing in 1998. One man in his 20s and another in his 30s were arrested in Monaghan on Sunday morning and a third man in 30s was arrested in Co Louth on Monday morning. The three men were taken to Carrickmacross Garda station to be questioned.
20 November 2024
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
-
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.
