On August 18, an alleged Irish terrorist, an Irish citizen Michael Campbell went before trail in Vilnius. Mr Cambell 36, was arrested in Vilnius in January 2008 on charges of buying a large amount of firearms, ammunitions and explosives for a splinter group of the Real Irish Republican Army (RIRA), led by his brother Liam Campbell.

Delfi.lt reported that before the court hearing prosecutor made a request that the court proceedings were held behind closed doors. The prosecutor was referring to a letter from Lithuania’s State Security Department which warns about possible threats during the public hearings to one of the key witnesses identified as Michael Robert Jardine. It came out that Mr Jardine was a British agent working for MI-5.

Prosecutor Mindaugas Bliuvas refereeing to the department’s letter claimed that Mr Jardine is wanted by members of the RIRA and that his life could be in danger. The prosecutor demanded that court hearings should be held behind closed doors.

“During the hearing, I mentioned all reasons behind my request to do this. The main instance is efforts to protect one of the key witnesses in the criminal case (…). The court was presented with data provided by the State Security Department of the Republic of Lithuania that the person could be in real danger,” the prosecutor told BNS after the hearing.

Campbell’s defence lawyer Ingrida Botyriene said that Jardine was currently serving in Britain’s secret service MI-5. In her words, defense possessed information, suggesting that prior to employment in the secret service the person was involved in criminal activities, namely, smuggling.

As the Delfi.lt informed the court ruled to hold closed hearings during the interrogation of Jardine and other anonymous witnesses, however, the rest of the process will be open to public. Campbell had requested public hearings.

BNS reports that investigation of evidence will be started in October. In the prosecutor’s words, the case involves at least six secret witnesses.

If found guilty of attempted smuggling, possession of firearms and attempted supply of support to a terrorist group, Campbell will face up to 20 years in prison.