Irishman held in Colombia temporarily separated

One of three Irishmen held in a Colombian prison on suspicion of training rebel FARC guerillas was unexpectedly separated from his Irish cellmates, it has been revealed.

Niall Connolly, the only man who speaks Spanish, was separated from James Monaghan and Martin McCauley.

He was taken by helicopter to a rural prison 3 hours away. The Government was not told of the move. He has since been returned.

Spokeswoman for the men's support group Catriona Ruane says it is an uneasy time for the men with just a fortnight before their trial is due to begin.