International Observers to meet with Colombian Vice President Santos

international | rights, freedoms and repression | press release

Friday March 19, 2004 19:09

by catriona ruane - bring them home campaign

Bring Them Home Campaign co-ordinator Caitríona Ruane said " The
International Observers who travelled to Colombia to observe the trial of
the three Irishmen currently detained in Colombia will meet with Colombian
Vice President Francisco Santos on Tuesday March 23 at 10.15 a.m. at the
Merrion Hotel in Dublin."

"We will be informing the vice president that Colombia is in breach of
Colombian and International law in relation to the rights of the three men.
It is obvious to everyone who observed the trial that the case against the
men was a total and utter fabrication and that military witnesses perjured
themselves on the stand."

"It is also unacceptable 8 months after the trial is finished that there is
still no verdict and the men are still detained in one of the most dangerous
prisons in the world. The men have now been 2 years and 8 months in jail."

"We are calling on Minister Brian Cowen, to publicly stand up for these
Irish citizens rights, he has been too timid and has failed to protect the
rights of these three Irish citizens. We are also calling on the Foreign
Affairs Committee in Leinster House who will be meeting Vice President
Santos to raise their concerns about the human rights of the three Irishmen,
their lawyers and the thousands of Colombians who have suffered at the hands
of the Colombian Government. The message that Mr. Santos should be leaving
Ireland with is a clear one, send these men home now."

"The Bring Them Home Campaign are organising a peaceful protest outside
Leinster House at 12.30p.m on Tuesday 23, 2004. We would urge people
throughout the island of Ireland who are interested in human rights to come
along and join us on this protest."

For Further Information contact: Caitríona Ruane, on 00 353 86 8311311