FARC's International Ties Investigated; Fujimori Enjoying Priviliges in Prison; Mass Graves Uncovered in Colombia

By Christopher Gehrke
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, South America

BOGOTA, Colombia – Authorities in Europe and Australia are investigating the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and their international ties. 

Four Spaniards, two Italians, an Australian and a Dane are under investigation for alleged ties to FARC.
Maria Remedios Garcia Albert of Spain was arrested in late July for allegedly leading FARC’s Spanish cell.  The Dane is connected to the Anncol news agency, which FARC supposedly uses to distribute its messages.  Italian police believe they’ve identified a person believed to be a FARC representative, and investigators have contacted Interpol to locate an Australian suspect.

For more information, please see:

The Age - Investigators probe FARC global network – 4 August 2008

Xinhua News – Europe, Australia investigate FARC’s international network – 3 August 2008

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LIMA, Peru – The lead prosecutor in Alberto Fujimori's trial for human rights abuses claims that Peru’s former president is enjoying excessive privileges in prison.

The complaint came after a congressman associated with President Alan Garcia’s party was elected to head of congress with support from Fujimori supporters.  According to AFP, without those votes, Garcia and his party would have lost control of congress.  Opposition members say that better treatment for Fujimori was part of a deal to retain political power.

Fujimori was visited in prison by a music group, popular in the 70s, who sang songs with the ex-president in order to celebrate his 70th birthday.  Fujimori may also receive visits from close friends as well as relatives three days a week.

Prosecutor Jose Pelez declared it “astonishing” that Fujimori could have “jail privileges different to those of other inmates in his category.”

For more information, please see:

AFP – Prosecutor:  Fujimori enjoying excessive privileges in jail – 2 August 2008

Prensa Latina – Fujimori’s Improved Prison Conditions Criticized – 1 August 2008

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EL CHARCON, Colombia – Colombia’s mass graves are being uncovered by the attorney general’s office and its investigative wing the Technical Investigative Body (CTI).  The CTI has been examining the thousands of killings committed by the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC).

It is believed that dozens of bodies are buried in the hills around El Charcon, where people live from drug crops.  According to BBC News, there is a “total lack of government presence” in that town.

“There was never any state presence here,” said chief investigator Wilton Hernandez.  “And once we have left, they will be alone again.”

This lack of government presence meant that paramilitaries did not need to hide or bury their victims; they killed people in the streets and waited for family members to retrieve the bodies.

These investigations continue after AUC warlords Ramiro Vanoy Murillo and Francisco Zuluaga Lindo plead guilty to drug charges last week.   The men face 19 and 17 years in prison, respectively, and each could also face up to $4 million in fines.

For more information, please see:

BBC News – Colombia confronts its bloody past – 2 August 2008

AP – Colombian warlords plead guilty to drug charges – 28 July 2008