Colombian Government Urged to Investigate Threats Against Peace Activists

Edited by Ivan Martínez
2015-01-16 14:54:31

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Bogota, January 16 (rhc-pl) -- The issue of threats made to human rights activists and peace process promoters remains latent today in Colombia amid expressions of rejection and demands to check those actions. A committee including Clara Lopez, president of Polo Democratico Alternativo; senator Ivan Cepeda, lawyer Piedad Cordoba and House representative Angela Maria Robledo, attended Wednesday a meeting in Casa de Narino (government house) to demand a thorough investigation into those threats.

It is an aggressive campaign against over twenty social, political, youth and farmer leaders who back the peace talks ongoing in Havana between the Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP), denounced the members of the group.

Last weekend, Piedad Cordoba received in her residence a wreath accompanied by threats described as dreadful by Cepeda.

Similarly, activists in the Atlantic coast were also threatened through messages signed by the group Aguilas Negras (black eagles), though Interior Minister Juan Fernando Cristo suggested that the real perpetrators are using the name of the criminal organization, which is said to be extinct.

The committee, which was received by Post-Conflict Minister Oscar Naranjo and Human Rights Advisor Guillermo Rivera, demanded a thorough investigation into the said threatening messages that were also released on social networks, and demanded protection for the victims.

"We reject this type of threats that seek to create an atmosphere of uncertainty and uneasiness as the country nears the start of a crucial stage in the peace process," said Cristo in remarks to the press after stating that efforts will be focused on exposing those responsible.

Cordoba, who was in exile for several years in Canada to protect her life and her family, accused extreme right sectors of plotting to kill her.



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