A MAN was charged last night with directing dissident republican terrorism in Northern Ireland.
The suspect, aged 47, was also accused of conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to cause an explosion, preparation of terrorist acts and collecting information of use to terrorists.
A PSNI statement said: “The charges, some of which have been used seldom in the past in Northern Ireland, are the result of an investigation led by police into dissident republican terrorist activity.
Two other men, aged 41 and 42, face similar charges but are not accused of directing terrorism. The suspects were arrested in Lurgan, Co Armagh, last Monday morning. They are due to appear at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court today.
Police have charged a further two men with a number of serious offences linked to the proactive investigation into dissident republican activity. The men aged 33 and 34 were arrested in Carrickmore and Omagh, Co Tyrone, last Saturday.
Both have been charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, attendance at a place used for terrorist training and preparation of terrorist acts. They are due to appear at court in Omagh this morning.
Meanwhile, a man aged 37 and a woman aged 46 arrested in Pomeroy and Toome last Saturday as part of the same investigation remain in custody.