RUC MEN'S WORD COULD IMPRISON TERROR SUSPECTS
RUC men's word could imprison terror suspects
By Chris Thornton and Michael Devine
TERROR suspects could be jailed on the word of senior RUC officers under the security measures planned as part of the Omagh tomb crackdown, it emerged today. Proposals under consideration would allow RUC officers at chief superintendent level or higher to testify in court about membership of a paramilitary group. At present, such "opinion evidence" is not allowed in UK courts - although the Republic is to resume using the measure as part of its response to the Omagh massacre.
Suspects are usually jailed for illegal membership in Northern Ireland only if they confess to belonging to an outlawed group.
But Secretary of State Mo Mowlam said the present law is now being reviewed.
"I am considering changes similar to those which the Irish government has announced to make it easier to prove membership," she said.
"The details are still being worked out, as they are with the Irish, but I hope we can move quickly."
The Republic's Justice Minister, John O'Donoghue, said he believed the British Government was prepared to adopt the measure to help root out the Omagh bombers.
Mr O'Donoghue said Northern Ireland's First Minister, David Trimble, whom he met last night, wants the UK to move in this direction.
New North-South security packages were unveiled as members of the 32 County Sovereignty Committee, which has been associated with the Real IRA, came under pressure over the bomb.
Dundalk Traders are seeking to have the couple at the forefront of the Committee, Bernadette Sands and Michael McKevitt removed from the shopping centre where they run a print shop.
US Officials also revealed that they have blocked visa waiver measures that would allow Ms Sands to travel to America. A new application is under consideration.
Ms Sands repeated yesterday that her group had no part in the bombing and condemned the murders.
Measures to be introduced in the Republic include the withdrawal of a suspect's right to silence and the introduction of directing terrorism as an offence - moves which are in line with the present UK law.
The Dublin Cabinet also copied their tough anti-drug laws, approving the seizure of property, including land, which had been used for storing weapons or making bombs.
Mr Trimble welcomed the "draconian" measures in the Republic.
By Chris Thornton and Michael Devine
TERROR suspects could be jailed on the word of senior RUC officers under the security measures planned as part of the Omagh tomb crackdown, it emerged today. Proposals under consideration would allow RUC officers at chief superintendent level or higher to testify in court about membership of a paramilitary group. At present, such "opinion evidence" is not allowed in UK courts - although the Republic is to resume using the measure as part of its response to the Omagh massacre.
Suspects are usually jailed for illegal membership in Northern Ireland only if they confess to belonging to an outlawed group.
But Secretary of State Mo Mowlam said the present law is now being reviewed.
"I am considering changes similar to those which the Irish government has announced to make it easier to prove membership," she said.
"The details are still being worked out, as they are with the Irish, but I hope we can move quickly."
The Republic's Justice Minister, John O'Donoghue, said he believed the British Government was prepared to adopt the measure to help root out the Omagh bombers.
Mr O'Donoghue said Northern Ireland's First Minister, David Trimble, whom he met last night, wants the UK to move in this direction.
New North-South security packages were unveiled as members of the 32 County Sovereignty Committee, which has been associated with the Real IRA, came under pressure over the bomb.
Dundalk Traders are seeking to have the couple at the forefront of the Committee, Bernadette Sands and Michael McKevitt removed from the shopping centre where they run a print shop.
US Officials also revealed that they have blocked visa waiver measures that would allow Ms Sands to travel to America. A new application is under consideration.
Ms Sands repeated yesterday that her group had no part in the bombing and condemned the murders.
Measures to be introduced in the Republic include the withdrawal of a suspect's right to silence and the introduction of directing terrorism as an offence - moves which are in line with the present UK law.
The Dublin Cabinet also copied their tough anti-drug laws, approving the seizure of property, including land, which had been used for storing weapons or making bombs.
Mr Trimble welcomed the "draconian" measures in the Republic.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0101
Published Date: 20-Aug-98
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