Real IRA arms trial postponed in Vilnius

A Lithuanian court has postponed  a trial against a suspected Real IRA member accused of trying to buy weapons and explosives…

A Lithuanian court has postponed  a trial against a suspected Real IRA member accused of trying to buy weapons and explosives there.

Michael Campbell (36), from Dundalk, was arrested in a sting operation in Lithuania in January 2008 involving the Lithuanian authorities in co-operation, it is believed, with security services in Ireland and Britain.

He was arrested when allegedly negotiating an arms purchase with Lithuanian agents posing as arms dealers.

Today’s session in Vilnius was postponed because the defendant's lawyer,  Ingrida Botyriene, was ill.

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It is unclear when the trial, which began last year, will end.

Mr Campbell (36), who has been in custody in Lithuania since his arrest, could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of seeking weapons for terrorist purposes.

Mr Campbell is the brother of Liam Campbell, one of four alleged senior Real IRA figures whom a civil court found were involved in the 1998 Omagh bombing.

The Lithuanian authorities are seeking the extradition of Liam Campbell to face the same charges as his brother.