Three IRA escapers from the Maze prison in 1983 have lost the latest stage of their battle against extradition proceedings in a San Francisco court.
US District Judge Charles Legge has ordered Kevin Barry Artt, Paul Brennan and Terry Kirby to surrender to the court, Ms Julia Alloggiamento, a lawyer for Artt, said yesterday.
The ruling is a major setback for the three in their battle to avoid being sent back to prison in the North. Another Maze escaper, Jimmy Smyth, was extradited last year after losing a final appeal in a San Francisco court.
Sinn Fein president Mr Gerry Adams expressed "deep disappointment" at the decision. "These men are victims of British injustice in Ireland. They, and a number of others currently fighting deportation, have led exemplary lives in the US and made a positive and valuable contribution to that society," he said.
A Sinn Fein spokesman said: "People will be disappointed here and in Irish America if there are moves to deport or extradite these men at this point in time."
Ms Alloggiamento said last night lawyers would be appealing.
A prison officer was fatally wounded in the escape.