Impunity Watch: South America

Images of Hostages Revealed for First Time in 4 Years

Photo - AFP - BBC News

By Christopher Gehrke
Impunity Watch South America, Senior Desk Officer

BOGOTA, Colombia - Five videotapes seized by the Colombian government from suspected rebels show a number of hostages, including Colombian Sen. Ingrid Betancourt, three American contractors, and several kidnapped members of Colombia’s security forces, the government said yesterday. 

Four videos display recording dates in October, and the fifth is branded January 1st, 2007. These are the first images seen in almost 4 years of any of the hostages.

Betancourt is a French-Colombian national who was kidnapped while running for president in 2002.  She is seen with long hair, staring blankly at the ground, and apparently chained. 

The Americans - Thomas Howes, Keith Stansell, and Marc Gonsalves - were contractors who were captured after their plane went down in 2003.  According to the Associated Press, each American briefly stood alone on the screen, looking “haggard.”  They are the longest-held U.S. hostages currently in captivity, according to the U.S. embassy in Bogota.

The hostages are believed to be held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Colombia’s largest and most influential rebel group.  The guerillas demands include the release of 500 imprisoned FARC members.

A major point of contention in the prisoner-release negotiations between Colombia and FARC is the creation of a demilitarized zone for the prisoner/hostage exchange.

The Associated Press reports that the videotapes and images came days after Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez demanded such evidence from the guerillas.   Chavez’s role as mediator was ended by Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, who alleged that Chavez disobeyed a request to contact him before any others with regards to the hostage negotiations.

Letters were also recovered.  Howes wrote a letter dated November 26, 2006, to his wife and what appeared to be a will.  Betancourt wrote a letter dated October 23, 2007, to her mother.  The details of the letters were not revealed.

The hostages’ families have demanded that Uribe bring Chavez back into the process.  Uribe, whose father was killed by the FARC, has advocated military rescues.  The families of the kidnapped oppose this strategy, fearing that the hostages will be killed in the crossfire.  Uribe has never had a face to face meeting with the rebels during his 5 year tenure.

For more information, please see:
CNN – Videos show hostages held by Colombian rebels – 30 November 2007

MSNBC (AP) – Colombia seizes video of rebel-held hostages – 30 November 2007

BBC News – Colombia airs rebel hostage tapes – 30 November 2007

BRIEF: Child of the Disappeared becomes Congresswoman

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - During the "dirty war" in Argentina many children who were born to political prisoners were adopted by military families.  An estimated 400 children, so called children of the disappeared, were adopted after being born to political prisoners in captivity.  Over 80 of these children were not informed of their true identity until human rights investigators recently starting taking action.

Victoria Donda was one of these children who learned of her true identity in 2003.  She was born in the famous torture center, the Naval Mechanics School, while her parents were detained and later disappeared.  She begins her seat in Congress next week and vows to push for laws against human rights abusers.   She hopes that human rights abusers will be barred from holding public office.

For more information, please see:

Reuters - Daughter of Argentina disappeared becomes lawmaker - 28 November 2007

Stadium Collapse Reveals Infrastructure Issues in Brazil

By Jennifer Pautz
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

SALVADOR, Brazil - On Sunday November 25, at least seven people were
killed as a result of the collapse of a section of a soccer stadium in
northeastern Brazil.  The soccer game between Bahia and Vila Nova was
in the last ten minutes and as fans were jumping up and down cheering
on the game, a section of the concrete collapsed and fell 130 feet to
the street below.  In addition to the deaths, 9 people fell to the
street below and 40 others were injured.  Authorities are unsure of
what caused the collapse and the stadium has been closed while the
incident is being investigated.

The incident has revealed the inadequate infrastructure in Brazil.
Authorities have issued warnings about the Fonte Nova Stadium in
Salvador as it was built in 1951 and last refurbished 37 years ago.
The National Association of Engineering and Architecture companies
found multiple problems with the stadiums structure which were
released in a report last month.  The Association stated that it was
worse than they expected as many stadiums, not just Fonte Nova, are in
an "absolutely deplorable state."  The report released shows that 80%
of the stadiums in Brazil need repairs structurally, 90% do not have
handicap access and 95% have poor sanitary facilities.  There are
only a few stadiums that were considered adequate throughout Brazil.

Salvador is a candidate to stage the 2014 World Cup matches as Brazil
recently was awarded the games last month.  There are 18 other cities
that are bidding to hold the matches in 2014.  The National
Association of Engineering and Architecture companies stated that the
accident "is not the best publicity for Brazil to host the Cup."

For more information, please see:

Reuters - Brazil accident exposes soccer stadiums 26 November 2007

CNN - Soccer fans fall to the deaths in Brazil - 26 November 2007

BBC News - Seven Brazil football fans killed - 26 November 2007

Hopes for Release of Hostages Dwindle as Chavez, Uribe Exchange Barbs

Photo - AP

By Christopher Gehrke
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, South America

CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s role as a mediator with guerillas over a prisoner swap involving 45 hostages is over.  The Colombian government confirmed Wednesday that Chavez’s role as a go-between was ended because he ignored diplomatic protocol by speaking directly to the head of Colombia’s army about rebel kidnappings.  Colombian President Alvaro Uribe had asked Chavez to discuss such issues directly with him.

The Washington Post reports those held captive by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) include Ingrid Betancourt, a French Colombian former senator, and three Americans contracted by the U.S. Defense Department who have been hostages since 2003.

Jo Rosano, the mother of one of the Americans, believes that Uribe had undercut mediation efforts.

“This is not the first time that he’s sabotaged this, and it won’t be the last,” Rosano said.  “Shame on him is all I can say.  The eyes of the world are on him.”

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, through a spokesman, commented that Chavez “is the best chance for freeing Ingrid Betancourt and all the other hostages.”

In response, Chavez says that he has frozen ties with Colombia, declaring Uribe’s decision to end his role as mediator as a “spit in the face.” Chavez also froze relations with Spain after King Juan Carlos told Chavez to “shut up” earlier this month.

“President Uribe is lying, and he’s lying in a shameless way,” Chavez said, referring to Uribe’s insistence that he had ended Chavez’s involvement because he spoke directly Colombia’s army chief. 

Chavez said he decided to freeze his country’s relations with its second-largest trading partner.

“Everyone should be alert with respect to Colombia,” he added.  “The companies that Colombians have here, the companies we have over there, commercial relations – all of that will be damaged.  It’s lamentable.”

Uribe responded to Chavez’s criticism, claiming that Chavez was never interested in promoting peace in Colombia.

“The truth is, President Chavez, we need mediation against terrorism, not one that legitimizes terrorism,” he said.

“Your words, your attitudes, give the impression that you are not interested in peace in Colombia, but rather that Colombia be a victim of Farc terrorist government,” he added.

For more information, please see:
Washington Post – Colombia Halts Chavez’s Rebel Mediation Role, Dimming Hopes for Prisoner Swap –23 November 2007

BBC News – Chavez freezes ties with Colombia – 26 November 2007

New Zealand Herald (AAP) – Chavez cold on Colombia ties – 27 November 2007

BRIEF- 15 year old Raped in Brazil

A 15 year old girl was raped and tortured after spending time in jail with 20 male inmates.  She states that she was forced to have sex for food as the inmates only let her eat in return for sex.  She had been jailed for attempted theft and in custody for three weeks.

The girl is not in a witness protection program and Brazil is investigating the incident.  Human rights groups and government officials are outraged as officials in the prison did nothing for the girl until the story broke in the national news. 

For more information, please see:

CNN - Brazil investigates 15 year old girl's jail horror story - 23 November 2007

CNN - Girl, 15, says she was forced to have sex with inmates  - 23 November 2007

BRIEF: Charges Against Pinochet's Relatives Dropped

SANTIAGO, Chile - Embezzlement charges against the widow and four children of late dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet were thrown out yesterday.  The court panel ruled 5-0 that Lucia Hiriart, as well as Lucia, Veronica, Jacqueline and Marco Antonio Pinochet could not be accused of embezzlement of government money because they were never government employees.

They were detained for two days before the ruling.

Eight of Pinochet’s former aides also had charges against them dropped because they were not questioned by the judge issuing the indictments, which is mandated by Chilean law.  If the judge corrects the errors, the charges may be re-filed.

Pinochet’s attorney, Gustavo Collao, his associate, retired Col. Eugenio Castillo, and his oldest son still have appeals pending.

Pinochet died in December at the age of 91 while under indictment.

For more information, please see:
CNN (AP) - Chilean court drops charges against Pinochet relatives - 21 November 2007
Impunity Watch - Chile:  Dictator's Family, Associates Indicted on Corruption Charges - 6 October 2007

Colombia: Chiquita Sued for Abetting Terrorism, War Crimes, and Crimes Against Humanity

By Christopher Gehrke
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, South America

NEW YORK, New York – The relatives of 387 people thought to be killed by the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) sued banana importer Chiquita Brands International in New York last week.  The plaintiffs accuse Chiquita of giving money to the AUC, a paramilitary group that has killed thousands.

The AUC was designated a terrorist group by the United States in 2001.

Plaintiffs are seeking $7.86 billion in damages from Chiquita, which they allege abetted atrocities including terrorism, war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to the AP.

Chiquita plans to fight the lawsuit, which is one of several filed by Colombian citizens and human rights groups.  The banana importer has acknowledged that Banadex, its former subsidiary, paid the AUC $1.7 million from 1997-2004.  Chiquita has agreed to pay $25 million for violating counterterrorism laws after admitting the payments were illegal.

Chiquita claims that the money given to the AUC was protection money that they had to pay to prevent death squads from destroying their plantations and killing their employees.

According to TimesOnline, Chiquita has historically made controversial decisions to influence the politics of South and Central American countries.  In 1975, Chiquita bribed the dictator-president of Honduras, Oswaldo Lopez Arellano, to reduce banana export taxes.

Jonathon Reiter, the lawyer who filed the lawsuit for the families, said that Chiquita’s
support for the AUC included the shipment of rifles, and went beyond protection payments.

Reiter said that Chiquita’s relationship with the AUC “was about acquiring every aspect of banana distribution and sale through a reign of terror.”

Michael Mitchell, a spokesman for Chiquita, disagreed.

“We reiterate that Chiquita and its employees were victims and that the actions taken by the company were always motivated to protect the lives of our employees and their families.”

The lawsuit seeks $10 million in punitive and $10 million in compensatory damages for each victim, according to Reuters.

For more information, please see:
New York Times – Victims of Colombian Conflict Sue Chiquita Brands – 15 November 2007

Times Online – Banana company, Chiquita, ‘armed guerrillas’ – 16 November 2007

Reuters – Chiquita sued in NY over killings in Colombia – 14 November 2007

CNN – Colombian families’ suit says Chiquita liable for torture, murder – 14 November 2007

BRIEF: Uribe Critics Allege his Autocratic Tendencies

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe enjoys wide support in his country - he has a 70 percent approval rating, and "overwhelming influence in many of that country's institutions," according to the Washington Post.

His opponents allege that with this broad power, Uribe has shown little tolerance for critics.  This is an especially important consideration now, as Uribe contemplates a constitutional change that would allow him to run for a third four-year term.

Uribe criticized the Supreme Court last month for investigating his cousin's ties with paramilitary groups.  He also warned voters not to vote for the Democratic party's candidate, vilifying him as "supported by guerillas."  He has also accused a director of Human Rights Watch, Jose Miguel Vivanco, of collaborating with rebels and publicly disparaged two prominent journalists, causing one to go into exile after receiving death threats.

"Uribe has had the good fortune of having an American administration worried about Venezuela and Chavez," said former U.S. ambassador to Bogota Myles Frechette.  "They have remained, publicly at least, silent about clear evidence that Uribe has autocratic tendencies and does not accept opposition from within Congress and the courts."

For more information, please see:
Washington Post - Colombia's Uribe Seen as Solidifying Power - 12 November 2007

BRIEF: Amazon Indians Seek Refuge in Brazil

Traditionally, Amazon Indians roam in the jungle freely but are now being forced to seek refuge in Brazil with relatives because of guerrilla fighters, loggers and oil companies. 

They are escaping violence and recruitment by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia that force people to join threatening to kill their family if they do not join.  Others have been seeking refuge from time and oil companies.

By seeking refuge they are stripped of civil rights as they have no documents or benefits and their children cannot go to school.  Brazil has little space and resources to offer the refugees. 

For more information, please see:

Reuters - Amazon Indians become refugees of conflict, loggers  - 16 November 2007

UN Continues to Condemn Police Killings in Brazil

By Jennifer Pautz
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

SAN PAULO, Brazil – United Nations official, Philip Alston, condemned the police in Brazil for the killings of innocents over the past year.  Alston visited Brazil for 11 days on a fact finding mission.  His initial conclusions were extremely harsh, stating that action is needed against crime in order to safeguard civil rights.

Brazilian police have killed 694 people in the first half of this year in Rio de Janeiro alone.  Often police execute criminal suspects and participate in organized crime.  Authorities have classified the deaths as acts of resistance yet Alston found that the police did not arrest or kill any of the major drug dealers during the operation. 

This year’s largest operation took place in June where 19 people were killed and involved 1,300 officers.  During this particular raid, evidence has suggested that at least two victims were shot in the head at close range.  Brazil has one of the worlds highest murder rates and police often use brutal measures to “placate popular discontent with rampant crime.” 

Alston believes that the operations are driven by political concerns rather then security.  He stated, that “the people of Brazil did not struggle valiantly against 20 years of dictatorship…only in order to make Brazil free for police officers to kill with impunity in the name of security.” 

Alston recommends that there be more effective investigations into the police killings as well as better forensics.  In addition, he believes that Brazil needs to seek reforms to their judicial process in order to improve the investigations, trials, and convictions of abusive police officers.  Currently, only 10% of homicides make it to trial in Brazil. 

For more information, please see:

BBC - Brazil police killings condemned - 14 November 2007

Reuters - UN watchgod denounces police killings in Brazil - 14 November 2007

AP -UN official slams Brazil police violence as political, ineffective - 14 November 2007