The following are excerpts from the declaration of Jim MonaghanMy name is Seamus O'Muineacháin, or in English, James Monaghan. In 1976 I was taken prisoner as a result of my participation in the war against British occupation of part of Ireland.
While in prison I became involved in organising political and general education for other prisoners.
"I was released from prison in 1985. I joined Sinn Féin, an open and legal political party, organised throughout all of Ireland.
". . . I held the position of director of education in Sinn Féin for a total of five years. As a senior member of Sinn Féin at that time, I took an active role in promoting the politics and ideas that would give birth to the Irish Peace Process. I still strongly support and endorse that position.
"After my release from prison I met Chris Ní Choisdealbha. We have two children, Nora (13) and Donal (12). I also have a son, Dara, who is 34.
". . . Witnesses have already explained in detail the problems facing former prisoners including travel restrictions
". . . We felt it wiser and safer to travel by legitimate means but using a different identity.
"I came to know Martin McCauley through the ex-prisoner community . . . I have known Niall Connolly for a number of years . . . The three of us share the same broad political interests.
". . . In the summer of 2001 the three of us travelled to Colombia principally to see the peace process but also to enjoy a holiday.
". . . We spent several weeks in the zone. We talked to a great many people.
". . . From an Irish perspective the advice and experiences of people involved in South Africa, Palestine, East Timor and other regions in Latin America were very important.
". . . Since we were arrested at El Dorado airport there has been a constant flow of misinformation and false allegations against us. The embassies of the United States and Britain have both intervened to distort the truth.
". . . We denied meeting the FARC initially because we thought it would make matters worse for us.
". . . The British Embassy alleged that I am a member of the IRA. It is illegal in Ireland, North and South, and in England to belong to the IRA. I have lived openly, and travelled to all parts of Ireland over the past 17 years.
"I have not been arrested or charged in relation to any of these allegations. I reject them. I am not a member of the IRA.
"The charge of training the FARC is a false charge, based on false evidence. The training never happened, and I and my friends are therefore not guilty"