Mr Kenneth Barrett described himself as a "scapegoat" and "the subject of state victimisation" as he denied any role in the 1989 murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane at Belfast Magistrates' Court today.
Mr Barrett was also charged with the attempted murders of two people in 1991 and of membership of the UDA, also known as the Ulster Freedom Fighters .
Mr Finucane was shot dead at his north Belfast home while eating Sunday dinner with his wife and three children. He was 39.
The killing lies at the heart of an inquiry by Britain's top policeman, Sir John Stevens, into allegations of collusion between British security forces and paramilitary groups.
In a report released last month, Sir John said there was evidence of collusion in Mr Finucane's murder and that the shooting could have been prevented.
One of Sir John's most senior officers, Detective Inspector Brian Tarpey, told the court that evidence in the case against Mr Barrett had been collected over several months.
The court also heard that detectives had decided to carry out their surveillance plans following a BBC Panoramaprogramme in January last year in which Mr Barrett featured.
But Mr Barrett's lawyer, Mr Joe Rice, challenged both Detective Inspector Tarpey and Detective Inspector Warnock about the delay in putting the charges to his client.
Detective Inspector Warnock stressed it had been a complex investigation and assured the lawyer there would be no delay in beginning committal proceedings.
Mr Barrett was remanded in custody until June 27th and Mr Rice told the court a High Court bail application would be lodged within days.
A woman (45) was also arrested on Wednesday in connection with the case. Police said she was later released pending further inquiries. PA