Courts / Louth / Report

Concerns over whether Liam Campbell would receive a fair trial, High Court hears

Date
2017-10-19

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Dundalk

County
Louth

Summary

The High Court heard concerns over whether Liam Campbell would receive a fair trial if surrendered to Lithuania. Liam Campbell (54) was arrested in Upper Faughart, Dundalk, Co Louth, on December 2nd, 2016, under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Lithuanian authorities. The warrant alleges that Campbell organised the smuggling of weapons in support of the Real IRA (RIRA) between the end of 2006 and the beginning of 2007. Remy Farrell SC, representing Campbell, raised objections to his surrender, citing concerns over potential pre-trial detention, the possibility of a trial not occurring, and the fairness of a trial in Lithuania, particularly regarding translation issues. An affidavit by Liam Campbell's brother, Michael Campbell, was presented. In 2011, Michael Campbell was found guilty of aiding a terrorist group and possessing arms in a Lithuanian court and sentenced to 12 years in prison. However, in 2013, an appeals court overturned the conviction, and a retrial was ordered by Lithuania's Supreme Court in 2014. Michael Campbell claimed his right to a fair trial was breached due to not receiving an English translation of the book of evidence and being provided with incomplete translations. The court also heard that Michael Campbell was asked to sign documents he did not understand and had concerns about the independence of the translators. Remy Farrell also raised concerns about prison conditions in Lithuania, including sanitation, visitation rights, and overcrowding. Patrick McGrath SC, counsel for the Minister for Justice, stated that a central question was whether there was an intention to charge and try Liam Campbell at the time of the warrant's issuance. The hearing continues tomorrow in front of Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Concerns over whether Liam Campbell would receive a fair trial, High Court hears. Charges or matters: aiding a terrorist group and possessing arms. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

December 2nd, 2016 Incident
2017-10-19 Publication

Why: An Irishman facing prosecution for alleged terrorism offences and the trafficking of weapons to Ireland should not be surrendered to Lithuania because of concerns over whether or not he would receive a fair trial, the High Court has heard. Prosecution account reported by CNI