Regards, Ivan
Posted on 10/17/2002 1:27:31 AM PDT by MadIvan
Three Irish republicans charged with training Colombian rebels have issued a statement insisting they were in the country to observe the peace process.
While training Marxist guerillas to fight? Pull the other one. - Ivan
In the statement which was read during an evidence hearing in Bogota, the alleged IRA members complained that they could not get a fair trial in Colombia because of the highly political nature of the charges. James Monaghan, Niall Connolly and Martin McCauley are accused of training Farc insurgents in explosives and other techniques for about a month.
The three were arrested at Bogota's airport 14 months ago after visiting a rebel stronghold in southern Colombia. If convicted they face between 15 and 20 years in prison.
"We visited Colombia to get to know the people, the natural beauty and the peace process between (former) President Andres Pastrana and the FARC guerrillas," the statement said. The three men did not appear at the hearing, where the judge set the next court session for December 2.
Yes I always book holidays in jungles with Marxist rebels. Between the fighting malaria and the target practice, one has a lovely time. Again, pull the other one. - Ivan
The statement went on to accuse Mr Pastrana and current President Alvaro Uribe of politicising the case. "In view of this, it is clear that we will not get a fair trial, taking into account the serious pressure being exerted on the trial judge from the highest authority in the state," the statement said.
A handful of protesters greeted lawyers for the three men as they entered the courthouse. "Strangers, whether they are from Ireland or Mars, have no right coming here to improve the ability of the Farc for mass destruction," said Rodrigo Obregon, a Colombian actor who lives in Los Angeles.
Mr Obregon was in Bogota leading a dozen protesters in front of the heavily guarded courthouse. Some were carrying placards reading, "Ireland please keep your terrorists home."
Regards, Ivan
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