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| Legalizing Abuses in Colombia |
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Posted by FoM on July 10, 2001 at 08:58:44 PT Editorial Source: New York Times 
The human rights record of Colombia's army has improved somewhat in recent years. In part this is because its abuses have been privatized — paramilitary groups with close links to many members of the armed forces are now committing the bulk of the murders of civilians. But a new law that has passed Colombia's Congress and awaits the signature of President Andrés Pastrana would give the military dangerous new powers over civilians and lessen the possibility that officers would be held accountable for abusing them.
Mr. Pastrana seems likely to sign the law this week. That would be a grave mistake that would jeopardize American Congressional support for Washington's extensive aid to Colombia's military. Colombian officials and indeed much of the nation endorse expanded powers for the military because guerrilla abuses are increasing. Yesterday Human Rights Watch accused the nation's biggest guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, of serious abuses, including executions of civilians, hostage-taking, the killing of medical workers and the use of child soldiers. Last year, according to Colombian human rights groups, the FARC killed nearly 500 civilians. Most were people the FARC accused of helping the army or paramilitaries. The horrific abuses by the FARC and other guerrillas are driving Colombians — especially those whose income puts them at risk of kidnapping — to endorse draconian responses, such as the new security law. This reaction is misguided. While more moderate than a previous version, the bill still contains undemocratic and potentially abusive reforms. It would make authorities such as mayors and governors subordinate to military commanders. The bill would also give the military the ability in many cases to authorize raids, arrest civilians and in some cases carry out investigations. The law is inconsistent with the Colombian Constitution, which bars the military justice system from investigating civilians. The new bill would also contribute to the impunity of the armed forces, by placing a two-month time limit on the ability of civilian authorities to open investigations of crimes committed in the course of military operations. Another part of the security law says that when people are arrested in the act of committing crimes, the military need only inform judges of their capture, instead of bringing them before the courts. There is no possible case to be made that either change would help the military win the war. Allowing officers to wait to produce detainees is an invitation to mistreat prisoners. The right to appear before a judge is partly designed to discourage abuses. Congress and the Clinton administration approved a large hike in military aid to Colombia last year at least in part because the administration promised that the aid would go to a reformed Colombian military. Now that the money is flowing, Colombia's army has apparently decided that it can get away with shaking off oversight. President Pastrana evidently feels he needs to placate the military, another indication of the worrisome power of the armed forces. The House Appropriations Committee will meet this week to budget money for Colombia. Congress and President Bush should make it easier for Mr. Pastrana to kill the bill by promising to cut military aid if he signs it. Source: New York Times (NY) Colombia Drug War News CannabisNews Articles - FARC Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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| Comment #1 posted by Geronimo on July 10, 2001 at 12:04:38 PT |
| Here ya go Georgie Bush ,More blood on your hands. I pity George when he meets his maker and has to explain the evil deeds he has done and the blood of innocent people on his hands! He does not care, he is rich and powerful! Other stupid monkeys do his dirty work for him! He thinks his hands are clean, but that blood will not ever wash off! It crys out from the ground. The laugh is on Georgie, burning in Hell is "FOREVER"! Clinton is just as guilty! He drank that bong water and everyone knows it! So did Snortin Georgie! Two face S.O.B.s These guys were and are our leaders, what a joke! [ Post Comment ] |
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