Colombia trial likely in October

The trial of three Irish republicans suspected of involvement with Colombian guerrillas is expected to start on October 4th in…

The trial of three Irish republicans suspected of involvement with Colombian guerrillas is expected to start on October 4th in the Colombian capital Bogota.

A Sinn Féin spokesman yesterday said he was aware of the proposed starting date for the trial but had not yet had official confirmation. Sinn Féin was not planning to send a delegation to South America to observe the trial, he added.

A spokeswoman for the Colombia-Three support group based in Dublin said they had been told the trial would start at the beginning of October but had not yet been given a specific date.

Mr Niall Connolly, Mr Martin McCauley and Mr Jim Monaghan are accused of terrorism, illegal training of terrorist activities and conspiracy. All three deny the charges.

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Mr Connolly, Mr McCauley and Mr Monaghan were arrested a year ago at Bogota International Airport as they were about to leave Colombia.

Colombian officials say they have evidence connecting the three men to the training of members of the left-wing Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).