By Patrick Vanderpool
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America
BOGOTA, Colombia – The Colombian Judicial System handed down one of its most severe punishments against a member of the country’s security forces. A retired army colonel was found guilty in the disappearance of 11 people in 1985 and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. The disappearances occurred when soldiers stormed the Palace of Justice to retake it from leftist guerrillas.
This judicial victory is due in large part to Rev. Javier Giraldo, a Colombian Catholic Priest. Rev. Giraldo, who worked tirelessly to uncover previously unknown evidence, assured that the victims’ relatives were heard by journalists and prosecutors. This case is a prime example of the type of work Rev. Giraldo has been pursuing for most of his life.
For the last 30 years, Rev. Giraldo has investigated some of the most egregious human rights violations and has publicly accused who he believes is responsible. In recent years, Rev. Giraldo has been faced with increasing hostility from pro-government activists for his stance on human rights issues. Even Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has criticized the man many call the “Marxist Priest.”
Colombia’s Government, as well as pro-government activists, have been quick to label Rev. Giraldo anti-government and a pawn for the largest guerrilla army. Some have gone as far as to spray-paint death threats on the walls of the Colombian Capitol Building
Despite criticism from pro-government types, many view Rev. Giraldo as a blessing and as an individual who is trying to hold responsible those who committed human rights violations. Gimena Sanchez, a Colombia specialist at the Washington Office on Latin America, described Giraldo as an “incredibly moral figure who is not linked to any armed groups.”
Giraldo, sitting in his office, surrounded by photographs of other priests who were killed for being outspoken, stated that Colombian Government tries to “denounce and delegitimize whoever helps the victims.” The recent victory for the families of those 11 victims is a small success in an ongoing war against human rights violations.
Although the battle is not easy, Giraldo is not prepared to give up the fight because of the criticism he is taking. “I break with a justice system that is absolutely rotten,” Giraldo said. “But I am not saying that I will stop denouncing crimes.”
For more information, please see:
The Washington Post – Priest Faces Criticism For Shining Light on Human Rights Abuses in Colombia – 12 June 2010
Minneapolis Star Tribune – Colombian retired colonel gets 30 years for disappearances in 1985 Palace of Justice takeover – 09 June 2010
IPS – “Death Threats Have Become Routine,” Says Jesuit Priest – 14 May 2010
