Irish trio 'staying in Colombian prison for protection'

Lawyers for three men linked to the IRA who were convicted of using false passports said they would not pay a fine to secure their release from prison until Colombian authorities provide them with protection.

Supporters of James Monaghan, Niall Connolly and Martin McCauley said they feared the three Irishmen would be killed by Colombian right-wing death squads that target suspected rebel collaborators.