Sinn Fein has demanded the resignation of Colombia's top prosecutor over "deliberate misinformation" which it said prejudiced a fair trial for three Irishmen held in Bogota.
Attorney General Mr Luis Camilo Osorio said in an interview with the BBC that there was evidence the IRA tested weapons while visiting anti-government rebels in the Colombian jungle, and trained the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
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"The techniques that the FARC have developed in recent years showed they have had technical assistance," Mr Osorio said.
"They use techniques similar to those used by the IRA. We are talking about a type of cylinders with explosives consisting of long tubes ... similar to those used by the IRA."
Sinn Fein's national chairman, Mr Mitchel McLaughlin, described Mr Osorio's comments as a "disgrace".
"These people are facing a trial in a society which does not have a great reputation of respect for human rights," Mr McLaughlin continued.
"I believe their possibility of receiving a fair trial has already been significantly damaged and has been further damaged by that interview with the prosecutor general.
"In any other judicial process that would be a resignation matter and it should be for him, I believe."
MR Osorio's comments follow yesterday’s accusation by Colombian Vice President Mr Francisco Santos that the IRA supplied guerrillas with the technology for a mortar attack on last week's presidential inauguration ceremony.
The IRA has repeatedly denied that its ruling Army Council sent anyone to Colombia, and also denied meddling in the country's internal affairs.
AFP