MCKEVITT REMANDED IN CUSTODY ON DIRECTING TERRORISM CHARGES
McKevitt remanded in custody on directing terrorism charges
Dissident republican Michael McKevitt appeared before Dublin's Special Criminal Court on Friday last to answer charges of directing terrorism and membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise the IRA, or Oglaigh na hEireann.
The case against McKevitt, is the first of its kind taken under the anti-terrorism legislation ushered in after the Omagh bombing in August of 1998. If convicted he could face a life sentence.
Counsel for McKevitt, Hugh Hartnett, SC, told the Court that the state's case relied on the opinion of a senior Gardai officer.
The Court heard evidence on Friday that McKevitt had met an FBI man and sought to use him to acquire equipment for use by hard line republicans.
Defence counsel said that the credibility of that individual, David Rupert, would be the subject of considerable emphasis in the course of the trial.
For the state, Counsel George Birmingham opposed bail on the ground that, if granted bail, he claimed "McKevitt would continue to operate as the leader of the Real IRA".
Mr McKevitt was remanded in custody.
Dissident republican Michael McKevitt appeared before Dublin's Special Criminal Court on Friday last to answer charges of directing terrorism and membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise the IRA, or Oglaigh na hEireann.
The case against McKevitt, is the first of its kind taken under the anti-terrorism legislation ushered in after the Omagh bombing in August of 1998. If convicted he could face a life sentence.
Counsel for McKevitt, Hugh Hartnett, SC, told the Court that the state's case relied on the opinion of a senior Gardai officer.
The Court heard evidence on Friday that McKevitt had met an FBI man and sought to use him to acquire equipment for use by hard line republicans.
Defence counsel said that the credibility of that individual, David Rupert, would be the subject of considerable emphasis in the course of the trial.
For the state, Counsel George Birmingham opposed bail on the ground that, if granted bail, he claimed "McKevitt would continue to operate as the leader of the Real IRA".
Mr McKevitt was remanded in custody.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0786
Published Date: 05-Jul-01
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.