An Irishman jailed for IRA membership in the late seventies is being held in the US after allegedly providing false information on an immigration form, it has emerged.
Mr Joseph Black (46) was arrested at Philadelphia International Airport on Wednesday by Immigration officials. He appeared before a magistrate yesterday charged and remanded in custody until later this month
Mr Black had denied ever being involved in terrorist activities, authorities said. But he had served a three-year prison sentence in Northern Ireland in the late 1970s for IRA membership and knee-capping, they claim.
Prosecutors said Mr Black gave two incorrect answers on a standard customs form given to short-term visitors to the US.
Mr Black told FBI and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during questioning that he had been arrested but is no longer a member of the organisation, officials said.
AP