UPDATE - Colombia 3

Published: 20 December, 2004

Political Action Request: Continue to apply pressure on the Colombian government. The Irish government is key and should be encouraged to use its influence, particularly if the case is brought before the European Union parliament as is suggested in the statement below. {See previous Action Alert, 17 Dec, for contact details.}

Sinn Fein Member of the Legislative Assembly and "Bring Them Home Campaign" chairperson Caitriona Ruane made the following statement today:

"We came out to Colombia to discuss the legal options open to the men in light of the recent judgement by the Colombian magistrates.

"In April 2004 Judge Acosta found the three men innocent on the serious charge of training the FARC and ordered an investigation into the two 'eye  witnesses' brought to the trial by the Attorney General's Office.

"This very public trial lasted 10 months. The world's media, international observers, Human Rights Groups and the Irish government were present.

"It was obvious to everyone that the prosecution case collapsed and serious questions were being asked about the role of the Attorney General's Office in fabricating evidence and preparing witnesses to perjure themselves.

"Six and a half months later following an appeal by the Attorney Generals Office, we have a decision by three magistrates who met behind closed doors, who never spoke to any of the witnesses or defence lawyers.

"It is also important to note that in this appeal no new evidence was presented.

"The judgement is 144 pages long, 32 of these pages repeated the prosecution arguments, and not even one page in this judgement was given to the defence arguments.

"The magistrates overturned Judge Acosta's judgement and sentenced the three men to 17 years and 6 months.

"This is a political judgement made by the Colombian Authorities.

"What we now have is the Attorney General Luis Camilo Oforio and his office trying to drum up international support for this decision. His record stands, he is the problem and is bringing disrepute top the Colombian legal system.

"This is a travesty of justice of international proportions.

"Having met with the lawyers we are now exploring every legal option left open to the men. The lawyers are currently consulting experts in relation to this.

"We are planning to bring the case of these three Irishmen and EU citizens to the EU parliament.

"This campaign will continue, intensify and internationalise these cases. We are not prepared to accept this blatant violation of the rights of Niall Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley."