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Vilnius 'Real IRA' trial to open Lithuania 'Real IRA' trial opens
(about 4 hours later)
A man charged with trying to buy arms and explosives for the dissident Irish republican organisation the Real IRA is to go on trial in Lithuania. A man charged with trying to buy arms and explosives for the dissident Irish republican organisation the Real IRA has gone on trial in Lithuania.
Michael Campbell was arrested in Lithuania after allegedly trying to buy weapons from an intelligence officer posing as an international arms dealer.Michael Campbell was arrested in Lithuania after allegedly trying to buy weapons from an intelligence officer posing as an international arms dealer.
His brother, Liam, is believed to be a senior Real IRA member, which opposes British rule in Northern Ireland.His brother, Liam, is believed to be a senior Real IRA member, which opposes British rule in Northern Ireland.
It was set up after the mainstream IRA declared a ceasefire 14 years ago.It was set up after the mainstream IRA declared a ceasefire 14 years ago.
Michael Campbell, wearing a T-shirt and jeans, faced the wall in court to avoid the cameras. He asked for reporters to be removed from the courtroom, but the request was turned down.
The judge also rejected the prosecutor's request for the trial to be closed to the public.
The Real IRA has claimed responsibility for a number of serious attacks, including the shooting of two British soldiers in Northern Ireland in March.The Real IRA has claimed responsibility for a number of serious attacks, including the shooting of two British soldiers in Northern Ireland in March.
Liam Campbell was one of four men held responsible for the 1998 Omagh bombing following a landmark civil action. Liam Campbell was one of four men held responsible for the 1998 Omagh bombing, following a landmark civil action. The Omagh blast killed 29 people.
A judge declared there was cogent evidence that he was a member of the Real IRA's Army Council during the June trial. The Lithuanian authorities are seeking his extradition from Northern Ireland.A judge declared there was cogent evidence that he was a member of the Real IRA's Army Council during the June trial. The Lithuanian authorities are seeking his extradition from Northern Ireland.
Michael Campbell's arrest followed a sting operation involving the British, Irish and Lithuanian intelligence agencies.Michael Campbell's arrest followed a sting operation involving the British, Irish and Lithuanian intelligence agencies.
Mr Campbell has been in prison in Vilnius for more than 18 months Mr Campbell has been held in Vilnius since his arrest in January 2008
Prosecutors in Vilnius told the BBC that following a series of meetings in France and Poland, Mr Campbell eventually came to Lithuania where he was kept under police surveillance. Prosecutors in Vilnius told the BBC that following a series of meetings in France and Poland, Mr Campbell eventually came to Lithuania, where he was kept under police surveillance.
They allege he paid 10,000 euros ($14,000; £8,600) for a haul of weapons including a sniper rifle, detonators, timers and about 10kg (22lb) of high explosives.They allege he paid 10,000 euros ($14,000; £8,600) for a haul of weapons including a sniper rifle, detonators, timers and about 10kg (22lb) of high explosives.
He was detained after allegedly handing over the money in a garage in the industrial zone of Vilnius.He was detained after allegedly handing over the money in a garage in the industrial zone of Vilnius.
The arms dealers were, in fact, Lithuanian intelligence agents.The arms dealers were, in fact, Lithuanian intelligence agents.
Mr Campbell has been charged with the possession and attempted smuggling of illegal weapons and supporting a terrorist organisation.Mr Campbell has been charged with the possession and attempted smuggling of illegal weapons and supporting a terrorist organisation.
But his lawyers question the means by which he was detained.But his lawyers question the means by which he was detained.
They also say there is not enough evidence to convict him.They also say there is not enough evidence to convict him.