A 50-year-old man arrested earlier this week in Derry is to appear in court today, charge with directing terrorism.
He was one of nine people arrested on Tuesday as part of a long running PSNI investigation into the activities of the New IRA in the North West and across the North of Ireland.
Code-named Operation Arbacia, the PSNI’s Terrorist Investigation Unit tasked MI5 to carry out targeted covert surveillance on members of the New IRA.
Crime Operations Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray said: “Detectives from the PSNI’s Terrorist IInvestigation Unit have charged two men this evening with a wide range of offences under the Terrorism Act as part of Operation Arbacia, an ongoing investigation into the activities of the New IRA.
“A 50 year old man from Derry has been charged with three offences – membership of a proscribed organisation; directing terrorism; and preparatory acts of terrorism.
“A 26 year old man from Lurgan has been charged with five offences – membership of a proscribed organisation; directing terrorism, preparatory acts of terrorism; conspiracy to possess explosives with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to possess ammunition with intent to endanger life.
“Both men are due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court via video link tomorrow morning.”
As is normal procedure charges will be reviewed by PPS.
Seven other people – five men and two women = remain in police custody.
Journalist Lyra McKee shot dead in Derry in April last year by New IRA terrorists
The New IRA murdered journalist Lyra McKee on Thursday, August 18, 2020 in Derry
She was shot once to the head while observing rioting in Creggan orchestrated by the New IRA.
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