Colombian question - Verdict must be looked at by Coalition

IT is hardly surprising the Government rejected Sinn Féin calls for intervention at the highest level over the 17-year jail sentences handed down to three Irishmen for training Marxist rebels in Colombia.

That became clear yesterday when Tánaiste Mary Harney said she saw no reason to believe a miscarriage of justice was involved. She saw the Government’s concern as ensuring their human rights were protected.

Despite nationwide surprise over the severity of the sentence, there was no outburst of public outrage at the verdict, which reversed a non-guilty finding last April when the men were convicted of travelling on false passports. Arguably, many people share the sentiments voiced by Ms Harney on the Colombian question. Doubtless, the PD leader was speaking on behalf of a unified Coalition when she ruled out interfering in the judicial process of another State.

Nevertheless, the Government must scrutinise not just the verdict but also the process by which it was reached. Theoretically, all judicial avenues should be exhausted. In an ideal world, James Monaghan and Martin McAuley, both said to be IRA members, and Niall Connolly, would appeal against the sentences.

But in a society mired in drugs wars, terrorism and corruption, Colombia is far from an ideal world. That explains why, having been on bail, the men either went underground or fled the country. Given Ms Harney’s resolute stance, and despite the severity of the sentence, the Government is unlikely to support Fianna Fáil Senator Mary White’s contention that the case represents a travesty of justice.