Man charged with directing terrorism

A MAN is due to appear in court today charged with directing dissident republican terrorism in Northern Ireland.

The suspect, 47, is also accused of conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to cause an explosion, preparation of terrorist acts and collecting information of use to terrorism.

He is due to appear at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court with two other men, aged 41 and 42, who face similar charges but are not accused of directing terrorism.

The suspects were arrested in Lurgan, Co Armagh, on Monday.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) statement said: “The charges, some of which have been used seldom in the past in Northern Ireland, are the result of an investigation led by police into dissident republican terrorist activity.

“Officers have worked closely with colleagues in the security service and, latterly, with the Public Prosecution Service to reach a point where charges have been brought.

“The PSNI remains absolutely committed to using every mechanism available through the criminal justice system to reduce the threat posed by terrorist networks and to keep everyone safe.”