IRA suspects held in Colombia may be tried in UK

The three IRA suspects detained in Colombia could be tried in the UK if there is no prosecution in Colombia.

Justice spokesperson for the Alliance Party, Dr Stephen Farry, said: “The arrest of the three IRA suspects in Colombia raises serious questions about the true intention of the republican movement. The notion that the IRA could be exporting their terror techniques to other conflicts, leading to more brutal killings of Colombians, is disturbing.”

Dr Farry said while it remained to be seen if the Colombian authorities could successfully prosecute the men, he thought it was possible that convictions could be brought against the men through the UK courts.

He said: “The British authorities should consider this possibility, and retain the option of a domestic prosecution if the appropriate circumstances arise.”

Under the Terrorism Act passed last year the men could be charged for terrorist activities outside the UK.

Although the legislation was primarily intended to stop the UK becoming a refuge for international terrorists, it could be used to bring charges.

Clause 54 of the Act makes specific references to training in the use of explosives and firearms as a terrorist offence. (SP)