Irish human rights body can take part in Gerry Hutch and Jonathan Dowdall appeals

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has been given leave to become what is known as an "amicus curiae" - friend to the court - in the appeals

Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch was extradited from Spain and charged with the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin on February 5, 2016. File picture: Courtpix

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has been joined as a participant in appeals by Gerry Hutch and ex-Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan Dowdall over having to be tried before the non-jury Special Criminal Court.

On Friday, a three-judge Supreme Court granted IHREC leave to become what is known as an "amicus curiae" - friend to the court - in the appeals by the men against a High Court decision earlier this year which found they could be tried before the Special Criminal Court.