"Unfair" to extradite man over 1972 Enniskillen murder, lawyers say

A man arrested on a European Arrest Warrant faces extradition proceedings in the High Court over allegations connected to a 1972 bombing in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. John Downey, aged 67, is wanted by Northern Irish authorities to stand trial for the murder of two British Army soldiers and aiding and abetting an explosion on 25 August 1972 on the Irvinestown Road. The device killed Lance Corporal Alfred Johnston and Private James Eames. Mr Downey was arrested at his home in Creeslough, County Donegal, in November. His counsel argued that extradition would be unfair, citing concerns about the integrity of evidence, the death of key prosecution witnesses, and a previous direction against prosecution issued in 1985. The defence also referenced controversies surrounding Mr Downey's involvement in an earlier case regarding the 1982 Hyde Park bombing. The Minister for Justice's counsel countered that fairness could be remedied through proper legal process. Justice Aileen Donnelly reserved judgment.