Political rivalry undermines Colombia human rights trip

Colombia Three update, from RM News, 15 November2002

Three politicians have withdrawn from a trip to observe the trial of three Irish men arrested in Colombia after party-political bickering over what was alleged to be a "Sinn Fein agenda".

Minutes after the announcement of the visit by a cross-party delegation to ensure a fair trial for the men known as the Colombia 3, Labour's Justice spokesman, Joe Costello, dropped out at the request of his party. Hours later, Fianna Fail TD John Curran and Senator Paul Bradford of Fine Gael withdrew. Bradford said trip had become the subject of "partisan political squabbling".

Those now remaining in the delegation are Fianna Fail Senator Mary White, Independent TD Finian McGrath and Sinn Fein TD Sean Crowe. They are due to leave Ireland in time to be in South America for the next phase of the trial of Niall Connolly, Martin McAuley and James Monaghan later this month. The three men are accused of assisting rebels in Colombia's civil war.

Earlier yesterday Sean Power of Fianna Fail said serious questions had to be raised about the proposed trip.

"I think by parliamentarians deciding to go to monitor the trial is only giving comfort to Sinn Fein and should not happen," he said. He said the delegation was allowing itself to "be hoodwinked" by Sinn Fein's "propaganda machine". This claim was dismissed by party colleague, Senator Mary White, who has said she will travel despite the furore.

"I am going because they are fellow Irish citizens and they are entitled to basic human rights, to a fair trial and to safety in prison. El Mondelo prison is notorious."

She pointed out that she had told the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, a week ago that she intended to travel to Colombia and he had offered no objection.

Bring Them Home Campaign spokesperson Caitriona Ruane said she was "deeply disappointed" that the three had pulled out of "an important human rights mission to Colombia on the eve of the trial of three Irish citizens in that country". She said the campaign had been grateful when the representatives agreed to travel and it was "unfortunate" that they now feel unable to do so. "It is outrageous that other politicians in Leinster House have put party political interests above the safety and welfare of three Irish citizens.

"A cross party delegation had agreed to travel to the forthcoming trial of Jim Monaghan, Niall Connolly and Martin McCauley in Bogota later this month. It was solely a humanitarian exercise aimed at ensuring the physical safety of the men and their right to a fair trial. We believe that both of these objectives have been damaged by the political manoeuvering of some politicians. Recent events have been deeply upsetting to the families of the three men. We are determined that the visit by political and legal observers will proceed despite this last minute setback. This campaign will continue to fight for the men's human rights and their safety."

The parliamentarians who will be travelling have requested meetings with senior members of the Colombian government, the prosecution, the defence, the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights office, the International Red Cross, and the Ombudsman's office. They will also visit Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley and James Monaghan in the notorious El Modelo jail in Bogota.

The trip follows a series of successful fundraising events by the campaign, including a recent concert in Ravensdale that raised £17,000. It is understood the parliamentarians concerned will also make a contribution towards the cost of the visit.

The Bring Them Home Campaign has consistently outlined the difficulties of the men getting a fair trial. "International attention is essential to ensure the safety of the men," said Ruane. "They are currently housed in one of the most dangerous jails in Colombia. We called on national and international observers to attend this trial and are very pleased that a delegation of parliamentarians will be coming over from Ireland."

Meanwhile, comments by the Ulster Unionist Dermot Nesbitt yesterday criticising the delegation's trip were described as prejudicial by Ms Ruane and are being examined for possible legal action by the families of the three men.