DUP calls for men's extradition

DUP MEP Jim Allister has said the Government could pass legislation that would allow the extradition of the "Colombia Three" …

DUP MEP Jim Allister has said the Government could pass legislation that would allow the extradition of the "Colombia Three" and that in the meantime the men should be prosecuted for alleged IRA membership.

He said the British Extradition Act demonstrated that the existence of an extradition treaty with the requesting country is not a prerequisite to handing over people to another country.

"Legislation, as ours does, can provide for special requests. Dublin could pass such legislation," he said.

"If the Republic had the will to act against these men it is not without powers. I issue this challenge: do senior garda believe these men to be members of the IRA? If so, the Republic's legislation allows conviction of membership on evidence from such senior officers," added Mr Allister.

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty is the former Northern editor of The Irish Times