08/04/2003

Colombia Three back in court

Three Irishmen are set to appear in a Colombian court today accused of training left wing guerrillas in the use of explosives and other terrorist techniques.

Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley and James Monaghan have been held in custody for almost 18 months following their arrest in connection with alleged training of FARC rebels.

However, their court appearances have descended into farce on numerous occasions and the trio have refused to recognise the legitimacy of the Colombian judicial system, claiming that the conditions for a fair trial do not exist.

If convicted, the men, who allegedly have links to the IRA, could face 20 years in a Colombian prison.

Unionist politicians have already highlighted this point saying the IRA would be in breach of its ceasefire if the men's involvement in training the rebel's were confirmed.

(MB)

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