Vice-President defends conduct of Colombia Three trial

Colombian Vice-President Francisco Santos has defended his country’s legal system following criticism of the trial of the three Irishmen accused of training anti-government rebels in the South American country.

Speaking before the Dáil foreign affairs committee today, Mr Santos insisted that the Colombian judiciary was independent from the government. He also said it was wrong to think that outside forces could influence the trial of the so-called Colombia Three.

Supporters of Niall Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley have claimed the three men did not receive a fair trial because of prejudicial comments by leading politicians.