MAN TO FACE CHARGES
Man to face charges linked to Omagh bomb
By Michael Devine
THE Special Criminal Court in Dublin was sealed off by gardai and troops today for the appearance of the first person to face charges in connection with the Omagh bomb outrage.
A 47-year-old man from Belleeks, south Armagh, is being charged with two terrorist offences, including membership of the IRA, which under law covers any organisation using the name IRA.
He was one of seven men detained in synchronised swoops by members of the Garda and the RUC last Sunday. He was one of three men arrested in Dundalk where he has been living for some years and where he runs a pub and is involved in a building business.
His appearance in court today represented the first major breakthrough in the intensive cross-border investigation into the Omagh attack, which has seen an unprecedented level of cooperation between the Garda and the RUC.
The charges were brought following consultation between senior Garda officers and the Republic's Director of Public Prosecutions.
Twenty nine people were killed and more than 350 others injured when the car bomb belonging to the Real IRA exploded in Omagh's Market Street on August 15.
The man to be charged is one of a number being held at Monaghan Garda Station.
Two men are still being questioned north of the border and include Omagh councillor Francis Mackey (44), chairman of the 32-County Sovereignty Committee which is linked to the Real IRA.
Four other men were re-leased without charge last night, the RUC confirmed.
By Michael Devine
THE Special Criminal Court in Dublin was sealed off by gardai and troops today for the appearance of the first person to face charges in connection with the Omagh bomb outrage.
A 47-year-old man from Belleeks, south Armagh, is being charged with two terrorist offences, including membership of the IRA, which under law covers any organisation using the name IRA.
He was one of seven men detained in synchronised swoops by members of the Garda and the RUC last Sunday. He was one of three men arrested in Dundalk where he has been living for some years and where he runs a pub and is involved in a building business.
His appearance in court today represented the first major breakthrough in the intensive cross-border investigation into the Omagh attack, which has seen an unprecedented level of cooperation between the Garda and the RUC.
The charges were brought following consultation between senior Garda officers and the Republic's Director of Public Prosecutions.
Twenty nine people were killed and more than 350 others injured when the car bomb belonging to the Real IRA exploded in Omagh's Market Street on August 15.
The man to be charged is one of a number being held at Monaghan Garda Station.
Two men are still being questioned north of the border and include Omagh councillor Francis Mackey (44), chairman of the 32-County Sovereignty Committee which is linked to the Real IRA.
Four other men were re-leased without charge last night, the RUC confirmed.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0561
Published Date: 24-Feb-99
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