6 September 2001 Edition
RUC Colombia trip raises serious questions
Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin reacted angrily this week to the decision by the RUC to go to Colombia in relation to the investigation of the three Irishmen being held there. Ó Caoláin said that the RUC is an entirely discredited force and their involvement in the matter would only heighten fears that these men will not receive a fair hearing.''
``What possible reason do the RUC have for travelling thousands of miles to partake in the investigation involving three Irishmen?'' asked Ó Caoláin. ``Are they going to Colombia with fabricated evidence to back up a case that seems to be collapsing before our very eyes?
``The RUC are a discredited police force. They are held in no confidence amongst nationalists on this island. Their involvement in this matter will only heighten fears that these men will not receive a fair hearing.
``I am calling on the Department of Foreign Affairs to raise this matter immediately with the British government. The RUC do not act impartially in the Six Counties - they will not do so in Colombia either. These three men should be immediately released.''
``What possible reason do the RUC have for travelling thousands of miles to partake in the investigation involving three Irishmen?'' asked Ó Caoláin. ``Are they going to Colombia with fabricated evidence to back up a case that seems to be collapsing before our very eyes?
``The RUC are a discredited police force. They are held in no confidence amongst nationalists on this island. Their involvement in this matter will only heighten fears that these men will not receive a fair hearing.
``I am calling on the Department of Foreign Affairs to raise this matter immediately with the British government. The RUC do not act impartially in the Six Counties - they will not do so in Colombia either. These three men should be immediately released.''
