The so-called Colombia Three should be given time to rebuild their live now they have returned to Ireland, Sinn Féin said today.
Justice spokesman Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the men needed time with their families after "to get over the trauma of the last four years". The men were arrested in 2001 on terrorist charges in Colombia and spent nearly three years in Colombian jails including the notorious Modelo Prison.
Sinn Fein Justice spokesman Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Mr Ó Snodaigh was speaking after it emerged the three men had voluntarily presented themselves for interview by gardai today. All three had been convicted in Colombia of travelling on false passports.
"Sinn Féin is of the firm view that these men have no case whatsoever to answer and that they should be allowed to get on with the process of rebuilding their lives.
"In his media interview after returning home Jim Monaghan said that then men were not on the run and had no difficulty in making themselves available to speak to the Gardaí, if they were requested to do so.
"Today the men went voluntarily to speak with the Gardaí.
"The men should now be given the time and space to get on with their lives here in Ireland with their families."