Group says Paul Hill visa to Colombia delayed

The group campaigning for the release of three Irishmen accused of training FARC guerillas in Colombia has said criticised authorities…

The group campaigning for the release of three Irishmen accused of training FARC guerillas in Colombia has said criticised authorities there for an apparent delay in issue a visa to Mr Paul Hill who was to attend the trial of the men tomorrow.

Mr Hill, one of the Guilford Four, was planning to attend the trial in Bogota as an observer. However the Bring The Home Campaign says Mr Hill will now not be able to attend the trial of Mr James Monaghan (56), Mr Martin McCauley (40) and Mr Niall Connolly (36).

Ms Caitriona Ruane of the Bring Them Home Campaign said Ireland was the only European country whose citizens needed visas to enter Colombia.

"This is a disgrace, it is obvious that they do not want Paul Hill to attend the trial," she said.

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"During his last visit here his presence had an enormous impact. As a victim of a miscarriage of justice he epitomised what could happen to these three Irish Citizens."

The three men face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of the charges.

Patrick  Logue

Patrick Logue

Patrick Logue is Digital Editor of The Irish Times