Supporters want observer at trial of three in Colombia

Supporters of the three Irish men being held in Colombia, have asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to send an official legal observer to the men's trial, which begins in the capital, Bogota, next Thursday.

In a private meeting with Mr Cowen, representatives of the Bring Them Home Campaign called for the appointment of such an observer to help ensure that the three men, accused of training Colombian guerillas, receive a fair trial.

However, it is expected that the department will be represented at the case only by a consular official from the Irish Embassy in Mexico, which is also accredited to Colombia.

A number of independent political and human rights groups are also expected to send observers as the trial develops. However, with the case likely to include several lengthy adjournments, lawyers for the men believe it could be early next year before a verdict is delivered.

Mr Niall Connolly, Mr Martin McCauley and Mr Jim Monaghan were arrested in Colombia in August 2001 and face charges including illegal training of terrorists and travelling on false documents.

All three deny the charges.

Supporters say the case has been marked from the start by political interference and by prejudicial comments from senior politicians and judicial figures in Colombia.

A spokeswoman for the Bring Them Home Campaign, Ms Caitríona Ruane, said key elements of the prosecution case had been withdrawn, including forensic reports and the evidence of informers.

Defence lawyers would be calling forensic experts and a range of other witnesses, she added, but she repeated the group's call that the men should be returned to Ireland.

"Given the absence of any evidence, other than the possession of the false passports which is a minor charge dealt with through deportation, and the fact that they cannot receive a fair trial, we are calling for the men to be released and sent home to their families."