Way cleared for terrorism trial under Omagh law

A High Court decision today cleared the way for the trial of Michael McKevitt, the alleged leader of the Real IRA, in Dublin’s Special Criminal Court.

The High Court refused an application by McKevitt to challenge a decision made by the special court last year to refuse further disclosure of documents relating to FBI agent, David Rupert, who is due to be the chief prosecution witness at the trial.

McKevitt, 51, from Dundalk, Co Louth, is the first person to be charged in the Republic with directing terrorism under legislation approved by the Dáil after the 1998 Real IRA bombing of Omagh, Co Tyrone, when 29 people were killed and more than 200 injured.

McKevitt still has the option of appealing against today’s ruling to the Supreme Court, and his legal team tonight said that move was being considered.

The trial is due to start in the no-jury Special Criminal Court on February 11, but could be delayed by other proceedings currently going on at the court.

At a preliminary hearing in the special court last October, Mr Rupert was said to have infiltrated meetings of the Real IRA’s Army council and reported back to both the Gardai and British intelligence.

The court upheld claims that making documents available to Mr McKevitt’s defence team could put lives at risk and damage anti-terrorist activities.

McKevitt was again remanded in custody today. He has been accused of membership of an illegal organisation as well as directing its activities.