Israel deports Irishman accused of being a terrorist

THE Irishman accused of being a dissident republican bomb maker was on his way back home last night after being deported from Israel.

Sean O’Muireagain, 42, was expected to touch down in Dublin early this morning after flying out of Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv.

The Belfast man was released without charge yesterday afternoon after more than four days of questioning by Shin Bet,

Israel’s internal security service. He was questioned on suspicion of being a member of the Real IRA in the Middle East to train militant Palestinians in explosives techniques.

The British Foreign Office confirmed that Israeli authorities refused repeated requests for access to Mr O’Muireagain, who travelled to the Middle East on a British passport.

He was taken to the airport in a police vehicle and placed on a flight to London. Members of his family and friends attached to the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign planned to meet him at Heathrow. They were all then due to board a flight to Dublin before travelling North.

British embassy officials were not given access to the Belfast man, who is known by the Irish equivalent of John Morgan, prior to his departure. Likewise, there was no telephone contact with his family or friends.

Before travelling to London, Kathleen Connell of the solidarity campaign, said: “Sean has not spoken to anyone. There’s been no communications. He’s been held incommunicado and we have no idea what physical shape he’s in.”

Mr O’Muireagain’s mother Theresa and father Dessie said the family were extremely relieved yet very indignant about what happened. Friends said they were exhausted by the experience.

A spokesman for the Israeli foreign ministry confirmed the Irishman’s release and said an apology will be forthcoming if one is necessary. But he added: “I still do not think all the picture is clear.” He would not expand on the statement.

Reports from Israel said Mr O’Muireagain was deported because of his links to the solidarity campaign and because he penned an article for a newspaper while visiting the country on a tourist visa.

A number of people linked to the International Solidarity Movement have been deported in recent weeks.

The Irish language activist and journalist is thought to have been the victim of mistaken identity.

It is believed British Intelligence, having been passed on the name by Israeli authorities, sent back word that a man named John Morgan, a 40-year-old from south Armagh, was a suspected RIRA member.