AN IRISH priest based in Indiana has been released on bail pending an extradition hearing later this week.
Fr Francis Markey (81) from the Catholic diocese of Clogher is wanted in Ireland on charges of twice raping a 15-year-old boy in 1968.
The extradition hearing is due to take place on Thursday.
The priest was released from St Joseph county jail yesterday on condition that he post a bail of $10,000 (€6,680), surrender his passport, stay within the locality and attend his extradition hearing, the Indiana-based South Bend Tribunereported yesterday.
The Director of Public Prosecutions had requested that US authorities oppose his release on bail at an earlier hearing. However, at yesterday’s hearing US officials told the judge they had reversed this position.
The DPP issued two warrants for Fr Markey’s arrest in April and May 2008.
Fr Markey’s alleged victim made the accusations against him in 2006, nearly 38 years after he said the rapes took place.