John Downey was brought before the Dublin High Court today (Tuesday) in relation to an extradition warrant.
The 66-year-old was arrested by Gardaí at his home in Creeslough on Monday under a European Arrest Warrant. He is facing charges over the alleged murder of two soldiers in Enniskillen in 1972.
Downey was previously accused of the murders of four soldiers in the 1982 Hyde Park bombing, but the trial collapsed after it emerged he received an ‘on the run’ letter from the British government. He has denied any involvement in the Hyde Park attack.
Downey appeared in the High Court today as he faced extradition to Northern Ireland on charges over the deaths of UDR members Alfred Johnston and James Eames in 1972 and on suspicion of aiding and abetting an explosion.
The court heard evidence of his arrest from Detective Sergeant Jim Kirwan.
A full hearing has been scheduled for 23rd November. Downey was remanded in custody until this date. However, he is expected to submit a bail application this Thursday.
Sinn Fein TDs Martin Ferris, Pearse Doherty, Dessie Ellis and Sean Crowe attended the court hearing in support of Downey.
Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty TD said his arrest was “out of order” and that a previous judgement that Mr Downey was not wanted in relation to any offences must be respected.
Speaking from the court, Deputy Doherty said: “It is a matter of public record that the British government has previously said that Mr Downey was not wanted in connection with any offences.
“That assertion was tested in the courts and he was subsequently released. That judgement should be respected by the British authorities.
“The issuing of an extradition warrant by the British authorities is wrong and follows a campaign to introduce an amnesty for British soldiers at a time when the spotlight is on them for their actions.
“John Downey has been a supporter of the peace process over many years. Yesterday he was at home with his family and he could have been contacted at any time.”
