Alleged Isis member to be tried in special court
LISA Smith, the Irish woman charged with being a member of the Islamic State terrorist group, has been sent forward for trial to the nonjury Special Criminal court.
Ms Smith, 38, from Co. Louth has been charged with membership of an unlawful organisation under 2005 terror legislation and terrorist financing.
At Dublin District Court yesterday she was further charged with providing financial assistance to another in the sum of €800 under Section 13 of the Terrorist Offences Act.
This offence is alleged to have happened within the Irish State in 2015. She denies the allegations.
Ms Smith, who is a former member of the Irish Defence Forces, appeared at Dublin District Court yesterday to be served the book of evidence.
She wore an Islamic dress and hijab with her face uncovered in court and sat silently throughout her brief appearance.
Ms Smith was arrested at Dublin Airport in 2019 on suspicion of terrorist offences after returning from Turkey in November with her young daughter.
She had travelled to Syria several ago after she converted to Islam.
Ms Smith is charged under Section Six of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 which makes it an offence to join a foreign unlawful organisation.
It is alleged that between October 28, 2015 and December 1, 2019 at a location outside the State, she was a member of the Islamic State terrorist group.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, the court heard.
Judge Marie Quirke told Ms Smith she has 14 days to come up with names and addresses of people who would be able to prove she was not in the areas where the alleged offences occurred.
The Special Criminal Court, where Ms Smith’s trial will take place, is a three-judge criminal court that deals with terrorist and organised crime cases.
The court has no jury in order to avoid any potential intimidation of jury members, which has led to criticism from human rights groups.
Ms Smith’s defence solicitor Peter Corrigan said there would be a challenge in relation to his client being sent for trial at the Special Criminal Court.
A further application of legal aid was granted to Smith.
Fourteen days to provide names