| Irish News report, March
16th 2004 Fight to 'clear' arms trial captain A PETITION to clear the name of former Irish army captain James Kelly will be launched at noon tomorrow. Captain Kelly was one of five men acquitted in the infamous 1970 arms trial in Dublin along with former government minister Neil T. Blaney and future taoiseach Charles J. Haughey. Despite the fact that he was found not guilty of any efforts to import arms into Northern Ireland, his family and friends say he never recovered from his ordeal and his military career also suffered. Captain Kelly died last year. A group campaigning to have Captain Kelly's innocence recognised by the Irish government has now taken up the case. The group recently contacted Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and former taoisigh Charles Haughey and Albert Reynolds. It is being supported by former Sinn Féin assembly member John Kelly who was also acquitted of any wrong doing in the trial. Mr. Kelly has called for the innocence of co-accused Albert Lyuxs to be recognised as well. Captain Kelly's widow will formally launch the internet-based lobby to have her husband's name cleared. Anyone wishing to support the campaign can visit the www.captainkelly.org website and add their name. Mrs Sheila Kelly will visit Derry later in the year as part of the campaign. |
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