Two Men Charged in Ireland Over Alleged Far-Right Terror Plot
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Two men, Garrett Pollock and Karolis Peckauskas, have been charged with possession of explosives linked to a planned far-right terrorist attack in Ireland.
- The charges stem from a cross-border police operation involving the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Síochána.
- A video featuring masked men threatening attacks on a Galway mosque and migrant accommodations was presented as evidence in court.
- A manifesto outlining the extremist group's intentions was also discovered during the investigation.
- Judge Andrew Cody denied bail for Pollock, citing the seriousness of the charges and potential threat to the state.
In a significant cross-border police operation, two men have been charged with possession of explosives in connection with an alleged far-right extremist plot in Ireland. Garrett Pollock, 35, from Annalong, County Down, and Karolis Peckauskas, 38, from Drogheda, County Louth, appeared before Portlaoise District Court on Friday. The charges follow a coordinated effort by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and An Garda Síochána, which uncovered evidence of a planned terrorist attack.
Evidence Unveiled in Court
During the court proceedings, a video was presented showing four masked individuals claiming responsibility for an attack on a mosque in Galway and threatening further violence against migrant accommodations. The video, described as a "practice statement" by Judge Andrew Cody, was reportedly found on a device seized from Pollock's residence. The men in the video, standing in front of a tricolour flag, warned that anyone interfering with their group would become a "target."
Discovery of Explosives and Manifesto
The investigation led to the discovery of components for potential pipe bombs and incendiary devices at Pollock's home. Additionally, a document described as a "manifesto" for the extremist group was found, outlining their intentions to carry out further attacks. The charges against Pollock and Peckauskas include possession of four threaded pipe end caps and six litres of hydrogen peroxide, materials that could be used to manufacture explosives.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Denial
Judge Cody, after reviewing the evidence, denied bail for Pollock, citing the gravity of the charges and the potential threat to public safety. The court heard that the extremist group viewed the presence of migrants as a threat to national sovereignty, a sentiment echoed in the video and manifesto. Pollock's defense argued that he was not one of the masked men in the video, but the judge found the police suspicions credible.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The charges against Pollock and Peckauskas highlight the ongoing threat posed by far-right extremism in Ireland and the UK. If convicted, the case could lead to increased scrutiny and monitoring of extremist activities across the region. Legal experts suggest that this case may prompt a reevaluation of current counter-terrorism strategies, particularly concerning cross-border cooperation between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána. As the investigation continues, authorities may uncover further evidence that could implicate additional individuals or groups, potentially leading to more arrests and charges.
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Two Men Charged in Ireland Over Alleged Far-Right Terror Plot
In This Article
Sofia Romano| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Two men, Garrett Pollock and Karolis Peckauskas, have been charged with possession of explosives linked to a planned far-right terrorist attack in Ireland.
- The charges stem from a cross-border police operation involving the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Síochána.
- A video featuring masked men threatening attacks on a Galway mosque and migrant accommodations was presented as evidence in court.
- A manifesto outlining the extremist group's intentions was also discovered during the investigation.
- Judge Andrew Cody denied bail for Pollock, citing the seriousness of the charges and potential threat to the state.
In a significant cross-border police operation, two men have been charged with possession of explosives in connection with an alleged far-right extremist plot in Ireland. Garrett Pollock, 35, from Annalong, County Down, and Karolis Peckauskas, 38, from Drogheda, County Louth, appeared before Portlaoise District Court on Friday. The charges follow a coordinated effort by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and An Garda Síochána, which uncovered evidence of a planned terrorist attack.
Evidence Unveiled in Court
During the court proceedings, a video was presented showing four masked individuals claiming responsibility for an attack on a mosque in Galway and threatening further violence against migrant accommodations. The video, described as a "practice statement" by Judge Andrew Cody, was reportedly found on a device seized from Pollock's residence. The men in the video, standing in front of a tricolour flag, warned that anyone interfering with their group would become a "target."
Discovery of Explosives and Manifesto
The investigation led to the discovery of components for potential pipe bombs and incendiary devices at Pollock's home. Additionally, a document described as a "manifesto" for the extremist group was found, outlining their intentions to carry out further attacks. The charges against Pollock and Peckauskas include possession of four threaded pipe end caps and six litres of hydrogen peroxide, materials that could be used to manufacture explosives.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Denial
Judge Cody, after reviewing the evidence, denied bail for Pollock, citing the gravity of the charges and the potential threat to public safety. The court heard that the extremist group viewed the presence of migrants as a threat to national sovereignty, a sentiment echoed in the video and manifesto. Pollock's defense argued that he was not one of the masked men in the video, but the judge found the police suspicions credible.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The charges against Pollock and Peckauskas highlight the ongoing threat posed by far-right extremism in Ireland and the UK. If convicted, the case could lead to increased scrutiny and monitoring of extremist activities across the region. Legal experts suggest that this case may prompt a reevaluation of current counter-terrorism strategies, particularly concerning cross-border cooperation between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána. As the investigation continues, authorities may uncover further evidence that could implicate additional individuals or groups, potentially leading to more arrests and charges.
Images from the Web
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