Irish American groups have told Northern contacts they intend to mount an aggressive lobbying campaign to ensure that the extradition of Maze escaper Jimmy Smyth from the US last weekend does not provide a ready precedent for the return to Northern Ireland of three other republicans who escaped in the same Maze breakout.
Meanwhile, it has been learned that Smyth, who has been transferred back to the Maze from Maghaberry Prison, Belfast, will not face new charges. His was the case brought under a 1986 supplement to the extradition treaty between the UK and the US, and under its terms he cannot subsequently be charged with any offence for which he was not extradited.
