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# Northern Ireland
Seven men charged with directing and preparing for acts of terrorism
The individuals are appearing before the Newry Magistrates Court this morning.
SEVEN MEN IN Northern Ireland have been charged with a number of terrorist offences relating to dissident republicanism.
Those charged are seven men aged 30, 43, 44, 58, 59, 73 and 75. The individuals are appearing before the Newry Magistrates Court this morning.
Under the investigation, detectives from the Serious Crime Branch are looking into a number of charges, including:
- Membership of a proscribed organisation
- Directing terrorism
- Conspiracy to possess explosives with intent to endanger life
- Conspiracy to possess firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life
- Preparation for acts of terrorism
The 58-year-old man only faces charges of membership of a proscribed organisation while the 30-year-old man has not been charged with directing terrorism.
Speaking about the arrests, Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes from the Serious Crime Branch, said: “These charges follow the arrest of twelve men in the Ardcarn Park area of Newry on the evening of Monday 10 November as part of a proactive investigation into violent dissident republican activity in Northern Ireland.”
“Earlier this week five of the men were released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.”
The arrest and charging of these individuals with what are very serious terrorist offences clearly demonstrates our commitment to investigate all those involved in terrorism. The public should be reassured that we will take every opportunity to bring before the courts any individual who involves themselves in terrorist activity.
Read: Man (26) arrested on suspicion of ‘preparing for act of terrorism’
Also: Extra gardaí will help in fight against “real and persistent” dissident threat
