Colombia Three to boycott court appearance

The lawyer representing the three Irishmen accused of training anti-Government rebels in Colombia has confirmed that the men will not be appearing in court for a preliminary hearing today.

Niall Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley also refused to attend court for a preliminary hearing two weeks ago, saying their trial has been prejudiced by comments made by senior Colombian politicians and soldiers.

Campaigners for the men's release said this morning that their lawyer will make a statement to the hearing on their behalf.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin has expressed its anger at the refusal of Colombian authorities to grant a visa to one of its members, Francie Molloy, who was due to attend the trial at the request of the men's families.