Battling the elements for the Colombia Three - BY SORCHA Ní DHUBHDA

Bring Them Home campaigners and supporters, including many well-known Sinn Féin activists, braved the elements last Sunday 14 November, to conquer Cnoc Mórdáin in Rosmuck, Connemara, in a show of solidarity for the three Irishmen who are in hiding in Colombia awaiting an outcome of an appeal against their acquittal on charges of training FARC guerrillas.

A large gathering assembled in the village of Cill Chiaráin at 11am, kitted out in their winter woolies and hiking gear. The group was made up of many well known supporters from all over the country, most notably Thérèse Ruane, who has been involved with the campaign since 2001 as translator/interpreter. She is co-ordinator of the International Delegation of Observers and has travelled to Bogotá on eight different occasions. Sister of Caitríona Ruane — Spokesperson/Co-ordinator of the 'Bring them Home' campaign.

The group then set off for the base of Cnoc Mórdáin, a mountainous walk over grassy mounds and turf banks with unique views of all of the mountains of Connemara and South Mayo to the Northeast, and the many bays, inlets and islands of the Connemara Gaeltacht to the Southwest. The walkers were very lucky on the day, as the rain held off and the clear weather afforded picturesque views of the surrounding areas. Dominant landscape elements such as the mountains and the lakes contribute significantly to the high scenic quality of the area. The group descended towards the forestry road at Gleann na Rod and back to the village of Cill Chiaraín for some light refreshments and a well-earned rest after the four-and-a-half-hour climb. A draw subsequently took place and a beautiful picture painted by Jim Monaghan in La Modela prison, Bogotá was raffled off.

The arrest, detention and continued treatment since 2001 of Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley and Jim Monaghan in Colombia constitutes a flagrant breach of their human rights. On 26 April last, Judge Jairo Acosta declared the three men innocent of the serious charges levelled against them, which showed there were never grounds for a trial in the first place. In his verdict, the judge also ordered that the two false witnesses used to fabricate this case be investigated for perjury. However, the three men are still unable to leave Colombia and are in constant fear for their lives. Requests by the defence to allow the three Irishmen to leave the country on security grounds pending the appeal have been denied. Despite having been granted their so-called 'freedom', the three men remain in isolation, unable to make a phone call or contact their families for security reasons. The reality is that, despite being free men, they now find themselves in another 'prison' for the foreseeable future.

The 'Bring Them Home' Campaign has carried out vital work in lobbying and campaigning for the three Irish men and the costs incurred have been substantial, not to mention the expense of bringing the international delegation of observers to Colombia on numerous occasions to observe the trial.

Sunday's sponsored walk raised much needed funds. An enjoyable and informative day was had by all and we look forward to many more until the campaign has achieved its purpose and the men are free and safe home in Ireland.