Republican News · Thursday 28 February 2002

McDowell accused of endangering Colombia Three

Comments made by 26-County Attorney General Michael McDowell at a PD party convention in Dublin on Thursday last were described as outrageous, dangerous, prejudicial and self serving by campaigners on behalf of the three Irishmen currently facing charges in Colombia.

Spokeswoman for the Bring Them Home Campaign, Caitriona Ruane said: "This is interference in right to fair trial and designed to promote his own party interests at the expense of three Irishmen in Colombia who have an uphill battle in trying to get a fair trial.

"It is outrageous that the Irish Attorney General, with his legal training, should make prejudicial comments - he should know better. The lawyers for the men and the three families are very concerned about these comments'

"Colombia is in the midst of a civil war; this has intensified in recent days. The Irishmen's lives are in danger, they have been moved from jail to jail during the 7 months of their imprisonment and Mr McDowell's comments put their lives in even more jeopardy.

'The Attorney General, Mr McDowell should now explain publicly why he has made prejudicial statements. Would Mr McDowell make such statements about people imprisoned in Ireland awaiting trial. I think not.'

"We expect senior Irish Government and Irish judicial figures to protect Irish citizens lives not endanger them. We also expect respect for due process."