Families of Colombia three appeal for support
This has proved to be a difficult and anxious year for all of the families affected.
Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley and Jim Monaghan were arrested at Bogota airport on August 11 2001 on suspicion of using false documentation. They were held for six months without charge. October 4 has recently been announced for the start of their trial. This legal process could last for as long as six months.
Since their initial detention we as families have been continuously worried and concerned about their safety. in custody in Colombia. For much of the time they have been held illegally and in breach of their human rights. In order to keep them safe they have required armed protection and have been moved six times to four different places of detention. Their lives are under continuos threat from right-wing paramilitaries in the prison system. At present, the military conflict in Colombia is seriously escalating and as a result the risks for the men are increasing. We are informed that there is no safe place of detention in Colombia.
We deeply resent how some elements of the media have treated this case. On very many occasions, false information and innuendo have been presented as fact.
Much of the background information has emanated from very sinister military and intelligence sources and has been published without question. This activity is aimed at undermining the legal process in Colombia. Their detention has been highly politicised and cynically used to damage the peace process in Ireland and to justify increased military spending by the US government in Colombia. This is a blatant abuse of their rights as Irish citizens.
Their defence has been virtually ignored to date. We have no doubt that when this is presented in court it will establish that they are innocent of the accusations made.
However, given our experience to date we do not believe that a fair trial is possible in Colombia. The three men should be returned home to their families without further delay.
We wish to acknowledge the efforts on our behalf over the past year by the Minister and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the office of the UN commission for Human rights in Bogota and the High Commissioner Mary Robinson, the Red Cross in Colombia, the former TD and Minister David Andrews who visited the men in January and Catriona Ruane who has worked tirelessly for the three men. In particular, we want to thank the Colombian lawyers who have acted courageously on behalf of the men despite the continuous risk to their own lives.
Finally, we sincerely appreciate the large numbers of people throughout Ireland and from around the world who have provided encouragement and support to the families and the men, who have campaigned, raised funds and contacted us and the men to show their solidarity and concern on this issue. We will continue to press for their freedom and we would ask for continued support to bring them home safely.
Madeline Connolly,
Cristin McCauley,
Gerry Monaghan,
Bring Them Home,
40 Dominick Street,
Dublin 1.
