The European Court of Human Rights has ruled against a Dublin man challenging the fairness of his trial for IRA membership at the Special Criminal Court.

Kenneth Donohoe with an address at Sundale Avenue, Mountainview, Tallaght was convicted in 2004, partly on the evidence of a Chief Superintendent who testified that it was his belief that the 35-year-old was a member of an illegal organisation.

The Superintendent revealed the sources for his belief to the non jury court but not to the prosecution or the defence because of a concern that disclosure would endanger lives.

Today the European Court has ruled that that was a fair decision made with the legitimate purpose of protecting human life and State security.