25 July 2002 Edition
Support for Colombia Three
Recating to news that the date set for the start of the trial for the three Irishmen in Colombia is now set for 4 October, Caitriona Ruane of the Bring Them Home Campaign said:
"Niall Connolly, Martin McAuley and Jim Monaghan will have been on remand 14 months before their trial even begins, in one of the worse jail systems in the world, in a country whose human rights record is abysmal.
"The trial was supposed to have taken place in the summer, and at the last minute the Colombian authorities conceded that they could not guarantee the men's safety in Colombia. They have now handed it over to a new judge and this has caused further delays.
"The lawyers are meeting with the judge to request that the trial be brought forward. I spoke to Niall Connolly yesterday and they are very concerned at the delay."
Pictured above are a group of republicans from Counties Fermanagh and Cavan, who last week walked up Culciagh Mountain in a sponsored walk in aid of three Irish Men, , being held in Colombia. The walk was organised to raise money and bring attention to the severe conditions and human rights violations which the men have to endure.
Speaking at a function that night, Caitríona Ruane said that the men have been publicly tried and convicted by the media and the Colombian government, which hinders attempts to ensure a fair trial.
"Niall Connolly, Martin McAuley and Jim Monaghan will have been on remand 14 months before their trial even begins, in one of the worse jail systems in the world, in a country whose human rights record is abysmal.
"The trial was supposed to have taken place in the summer, and at the last minute the Colombian authorities conceded that they could not guarantee the men's safety in Colombia. They have now handed it over to a new judge and this has caused further delays.
"The lawyers are meeting with the judge to request that the trial be brought forward. I spoke to Niall Connolly yesterday and they are very concerned at the delay."
Pictured above are a group of republicans from Counties Fermanagh and Cavan, who last week walked up Culciagh Mountain in a sponsored walk in aid of three Irish Men, , being held in Colombia. The walk was organised to raise money and bring attention to the severe conditions and human rights violations which the men have to endure.
Speaking at a function that night, Caitríona Ruane said that the men have been publicly tried and convicted by the media and the Colombian government, which hinders attempts to ensure a fair trial.