Colombian Military Might get the Vote

By Margaret Janelle R. Hutchinson
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

 BOGOTÁ, Colombia – Serving members of Colombia’s police and military forces may gain the right to vote in elections if the constitutional amendment proposed by Senate Vice President Edgar Espindola Niño is adopted.

As the Senate debates granting the vote to members of the Colombian armed forces, officers fret over their future in a post-conflict state. (Photo Courtesy BBC)

Citizens serving in the public armed forces have been denied the vote for the past 50 years, a legacy of President Alberto Lleras Camargo (1945-1946 / 1958-1962) who famously cast Colombia´s armed forces as “guarantors of democracy.” Neutrality was expected of these guardians.

Espindola and others who support the proposal argue that Colombia has changed dramatically over the past five decades and that the members of the military and police should be able to cast their ballots like every other Colombian citizen.  Though there would remain certain restraints on their political activity.

The proposal states: “Los miembros de la Fuerza Pública podrán ejercer la función del sufragio mientras permanezcan en servicio activo, pero no podrán intervenir en actividades o debates de partidos o movimientos politicos.”

This roughly translates to: Members of the public armed forces may engage in the act of voting while on active duty, but may not take part in activities or discussions of political parties or political movements.

Those who oppose the initiative, say that Colombia´s democracy is not ready for this change; that the possible abuses of power are too great.  They fear that allowing the near 460,000 active forces the vote could distort the electoral process.

They claim that the hierarchical nature, size, and “ideological cohesion” of the military would render it a political force unto itself, greater than any other political party or movement.  Specifically, there is a fear that the chain of command would dictate to subordinates how to cast their votes.

The language of the proposal makes clear that, legally, officers would not be able to participate in campaigning, but some level of trust would need to be placed in service members’ capacity to act independently inside the voting booth.

Should the current peace process between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) culminate in a legitimate peace agreement, senior military officials are concerned about becoming targets of FARC political action in a post-conflict state.

The demobilized FARC forces would be reintegrated into Colombian society, and, as citizens, would trade the power of the gun for the power of the vote.

Both the FARC and the military have committed atrocities during the five-decades long conflict. The military fears that even if amnesties are granted, their amnesties may end up revoked once the former FARC rise to political power.

Retired Colonel Hugo Bahamon recently stated, “Look at what has happened in Argentina and Chile, where, 20 years on, the guerrillas who threatened the state are in power, amnesties have been overturned and now [former soldiers] of 70 and 80 years of age are being imprisoned.”

To Colonel Bahamon and the rest of the military and police forces, gaining the vote would provide an additional security guarantee to avoid the path of their South American counterparts.

For further information, please see:

Colombia Reports – Colombia’[s] Police and Military to get the vote? – 4 November 2012

NACLA – The Military’s Human Rights Record and the Peace Process in Colombia – 3 November 2012

BBC – Colombia’s military faces challenges over peace talks – 24 October 2012

El Espectador – Fuerzas Militares quedarían facultadas para votar – 24 October 2012

Refugees Prefer Conflict Zones in Syria to Zaatari Refugee Camp

By Emily Schneider
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

AMMAN, Jordan – Feelings of unrest and dissatisfaction are spreading among the 25,000 Syrian refugees in Zaatari refugee camp, a makeshift tent village near the border in Jordan.

Refugees are now choosing to return to war-torn Syria instead of face the bleak conditions in the Zaatari refugee camp. (Photo courtesy of BBC)

“We are living in a prison,” Saeed Howshan, a Syrian who fled his hometown for the safety of Zaatari, told BBC reporter. “It is like we are prisoners of the Jordanians, it is as if they are working with the Syrian regime.”

The refugee camp is designed to hold people who have crossed the border illegally to avoid the bloodshed in Syria. Syrians can normally enter Jordan without a visa, so when the conflict began, some Syrians migrated to Jordan’s cities. There, they were housed and cared for by the Jordanian government. But as more and more people attempted to escape the conflict the cities are too full to handle the surge of people. Now, refugees are directed into the Zaatari tent city, which was opened in July.

The Jordanian government estimates the country is now home to 200,000 refugees, 15% of them here in the camp.

The Jordanian government insists the refugees’ basic needs are met. But The Jordanian Society for Human Rights (JSHR) published a report in which it pointed out numerous problems in Zaartari. The report underlined that the site of the camp is “unhealthy” as it is located in a dusty area, and noted that most refugees are living in plastic tents, inside which the heat is “unbearable.” They also stated that the camp lacks adequate water to support its population.

Two meals are distributed daily to the refugees, breakfast and lunch, according to the report. However, there is no variety in the diet and many of the meals arrive spoiled because they are prepared outside of the camp before being transported across the hot sands

In addition, the society said the camp’s toilets are “in bad shape and public for both men and women”, adding that Zaatari also lacks entertainment or leisure facilities.

Last week, a crowd gathered in the camp to demonstrate after what they believed were two days worth of inedible meals.  Demonstrators turned violent and someone set a portacabin ablaze. The protest was quickly quashed by authorities, who came in and used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

An official at the camp told a reporterthat supporters of the Syrian regime have infiltrated the camp to cause trouble.  One high-placed official claimed that pro-regime shabiha, Syrian paramilitary thugs, militiamen have been planted among the refugees to feed information back to the regime in Damascus as well.

Refugees disagree with this assessment and say the recent violent protests have been instigated only by their own disasifaction.  Ali, a refugee, says “If we found one,” referring to Syrian agents, “we would kick them out” and adamantly denies that the violence was a set up. “We have just had enough,” he said.

Now, many refugees are choosing to make the journey back to their war-torn homes rather than wait out the conflict in Zaatari.

“We face a slow death here, or a fast death over there,” says Hussain Ayish, pointing towards the border.

For further information, please see:

BBC News – Syrians Choose War over Jordan Zaatari Refugee Camp – 1 Nov. 2012

NY Times – Market Rises, Perfume and All, as Refugees Face a Long Syria War – 31 Oct. 2012

Jordan  Times – Rights Group Urges Relocation of Zaatari Refugee Camp – 30 Sept. 2012

Gulf News – Inside the Zaatari Refugee Camp – 12 Sept. 2012

Mali Begins Negotiations With Group Controlling Northern Mali

By Heba Girgis
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

BAMAKO, Mali—Representatives of al-Qaida-linked groups that currently control northern Mali arrived yesterday in Burkina Faso for negotiation with President Compaore who is trying to mediate a solution to the conflict between the groups and the rest of the country. These negotiations reveal that the country’s government is now willing to negotiate with this armed group known for its connection with the terror network chapter in Africa rather than resort to military force.

Talks of War Push Islamist Group Into Negotiations With Mali Government. (Photo Courtesy of Middle East Online)

The senior mediators in this crisis are trying to convince one of the groups, Ansar Dine, to cut ties with al-Qaida’s North Africa Branch. President Compaore hopes to remind the group that it “must disengage from terror and organized crime,” and “return to the political process.” The President who is the officially appointed mediator in the Economic Community of West African States decided that pushing these negotiation talks is a better way to try to resolve this crisis rather than using military force.

Ansar Dine has destroyed ancient shrines in Timbuktu and has applied its harsh interpretations of Islamic law in other areas under its control. In enforcing its laws, the group has stoned to death and whipped transgressors and has forced woman to remain covered.

The leader of Ansar Dine, Iyad Ag Ghaly, said that he would be ready to “officially distance himself from al-Qaida in the Islamist Maghreb and play ‘the democracy game.’”

The group’s head delegate Algabass Ag Intalla also noted that, “Ansar Dine is independent from any other group,” and is “ready to negotiate for peace.” He also added that he is prepared to meet the Malian minister “if the mediator wants it.”

Another source close to this extremist group sent delegation to Algiers as well articulating the position that the group is in favor of peace and that dialogue is necessary for peace. The source further acknowledges that that is the reason why they have set up these various delegates and will also be making a stop in Nigeria to discuss peace negotiations.

On October 12, 2012, the United Nations Security Council approved a resolution urging a joint African Union military force to speed up the preparations for a force of more than 3,000 troops in order to attempt to recapture the occupied northern region of Mali. However, it looks as though this resolution is on hold during these peace talks.

 

For further information, please see:

Fox News – Al-Qaida-Linked Group in Burkina Faso, Algeria for Mediation Talks – 4 November 2012

The Times of India – Mediators Push Mali Islamists to Cut Al-Qaida Ties – 4 November 2012

Middle East Online – Drums of War Push Mali Islamists Toward Dialogue – 3 November 2012

San Francisco Chronicle – Al-Qaida Linked Group in Burkina Faso For Talks – 3 November 2012

Despite Peace Talks, Violence Continues In Colombia

By Brendan Bergh
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America 

BOGOTÁ, Colombia – Peace talks between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC) continue in Oslo, Norway.

Suitcase Bombs Strikes Terror On Halloween Night. (Photo Courtesy of Fox News Latino)

Since their inception in 1964 Latin Americas oldest revolutionary group has been striking terror throughout Colombia. The FARC rebels have been conducting military ambushes and kidnapping civilians and military personnel for years with the intent of disappearing them or ransoming them. Their reign of terror has been weakened in recent years, thanks to a continued increased military budget and U.S. backed security campaign. A temporary cease fire has been signed as leaders from FARC and the Colombia meet in Oslo to discuss the terms for the disbanding of the military group.

However those peace talks may be in jeopardy. On Halloween night in Pradera, over 5,000 Colombian children were out and about celebrating when the calm serene night was shattered by violence. A suitcase bomb exploded killing two suspected bombers and injuring another 37, seven of them children. Col. Nelson Ramirez the regional police chief believes the police station was the intended target. Pradera has always been a target for FARC who continually demand the area be ceded to them.

This is just the latest in a series of clashes that many believe can be attributed to FARC. Earlier in the month five soldiers were wounded in an apparent rebel ambush, while another two were killed when they activated a FARC installed landmine.

There have been quite a few attempts at peace since the 1980s. The latest in 2002 was almost successful, as then-President Andres Pastrana was about to grant the rebels a large portion of land. However in all too familiar fashion the peace talks broke down when the rebels launched a timely series of attacks in a bid to strengthen their position.  However the FARC claim they have no parallel agenda during their peace talks. That they hope that “The dialogue unfolds effectively, expeditiously, and in the shortest possible time.”

As the peace talks continue many items are still on the table. Beyond mere the demilitarization of FARC and the end to the kidnappings FARC is coming to the table with proposals and projects in order to implement radical socioeconomic reforms. However the issue of reintegration is still a large issue that needs to be discussed. If the peace talks are successful the question remains what will happen to rebel militants and the increased Colombian Army that was raised to combat FARC.

Despite these issues both sides have indicated a commitment to the “Construction of a stable and lasting peace.”

For further information, please see:

El Tiempo – Two Soldiers Killed When He Stepped On A Mine Field Installed By FARC – 3 November 2012

RCN Radio – FARC Say They Have No Parallel Agenda In Peace Process – 3 November 2012

El Pais – “There Is A Marriage Between The FARC And VAlle And Cauca BACRIM”: General Navas – 2 November, 2012

Fox News Latino – Halloween Bombing Kills 2, Injuries 36 In Colombia – 2 November 2012

CNN – Amid Peace Talks, Colombian Soldiers Killed  In Suspected Rebel Attack – 20 October, 2012

CNN – Colombia, FARC Rebels Begin Formal Peace Talks In Norway – 18 October, 2012

Greek Journalist Arrested for Releasing Lagarde List Acquitted, Says Press Censored

By Madeline Schiesser
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

ATHENS, Greece – Last Sunday, a Greek independent magazine editor, Kostas Vaxevanis, was arrested on the charge of breach of privacy for publishing the names of 2,059 Greeks alleged to have Swiss bank accounts.  Only days later on Thursday, Vaxevanis was tried, and was acquitted.  However, Vaxevanis claims that his arrest, trial, and subsequent release, and the lack of press coverage thereof in Greece as opposed to in foreign countries, demonstrates that the business elite in Greece have muzzled the Greek press.

Vaxevanis leaves the prosecutor’s office following his arrest on Sunday. (Photo Courtesy of the Guardian)

Last Saturday (10/27), Vaxevanis’ Hot Doc magazine published a list he claims is the infamous Lagarde list, containing the names of 2,059 Greeks believed to have accounts in the Geneva branch of HSBC, according to the New York Times.  Vaxevanis claimed he got it from an anonymous source, according to Returns.

The following morning (10/28), police surrounded the home of Vaxevanis’ friend with whom he was staying while Vaxevanis was giving a live radio interview.  According to the New York Times, Vaxevanis tweeted: “They’re entering my house with the prosecutor right now. They are arresting me. Spread the word.”

The prosecutor charged Vaxevanis with breach of privacy at setting his trial date for Monday before releasing him several house later.  The alleged crime carries a prison term of up to two years and a fine of about 30,000€ ($39,000).

A police officer explained to Returns that “the prosecutor issued a warrant for Vaxevanis’ arrest because he published a list of names without special permission and violated the law on personal data. There is no proof that the persons or companies included in that list have violated the law . . . . on tax evasion or money laundering.”

However, Vaxevanis felt that he had a duty to the Greek people to report the truth.  During a recess in his trial, he told the Guardian: “If you look at the names, or the offshore companies linked to certain individuals, you see that these are all friends of those in power. Phony lists had also begun to circulate. It was time for the truth.”

On Monday (10/29), Vaxevanis’ trial date was set for Thursday, November 1.  The New York Times noted that many Greeks saw the speed with which the trial moved ahead “as a sharp contrast to the normally slow wheels of Greek justice,” particularly in light of the Greek state’s resilience to investigate those named on the Lagarde List.

A few days later, Vaxevanis noted, “I don’t think the decision to bring me before the court was the work of an overzealous prosecutor. I think it was very deliberate and very vindictive.”

On Thursday (11/1), Vaxevanis was acquitted by a three judge panel in a hearing that lasted almost 12 hours.  His lawyers argued in part that the charges were outrageous and that no one on the list had complained of a breach of privacy.

The Lagarde List, so named after former French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde who gave the list to her Greek counterpart, George Papaconstantinou, in 2010, had been believed to contain the names of prominent Greeks who used Swiss bank accounts to avoid paying taxes.

However, in the two years since obtaining the list, the Greek government did not appear to take action to investigate those named, and there have been accusations of a cover up.  Greek finance ministers have claimed both to have lost the list, and to have turned it over to the appropriate police authorities.

The list Vaxevanis published includes a former culture minister, doctors, lawyers and individuals identified as “housewives,” but did not include information on the amount of money anyone had in an account.  Even so, the Lagarde List of wealthy, allegedly tax evading Greeks is especially jarring in a nation attempting to pull itself out of financial crisis and suffering from tax increases and wage cuts.

Since his acquittal, Vaxevanis has further claimed that Greece is essentially controlled by a group or corrupt politicians working with businessmen who own and muzzle the press.  He cites for example the lack of coverage of his own trial, and especially acquittal, by the Greek media.

“Had it not been for the foreign media taking such an interest in my own story, it would have been buried. With few exceptions, hardly any of the Greek media bothered to report that I was acquitted, when CNN and the BBC were breaking into their news broadcasts to do so,” Vaxevanis said.

“The country is governed by a poisonous combination of politicians, businessmen and journalists who cover one another’s backs. Every day laws are changed, or new laws are voted in, to legitimize illegal deeds.”  However, Vaxevanis intends to continue his fight against political corruption and scandal in Greece: “The political elite have got used to the mainstream press not annoying them, but investigation is what we do.”

For further information, please see:

BBC News – Greek Bank Leak Editor Costas Vaxevanis Acquitted – 2 November 2012

The Guardian – Greece is Governed by a Corrupt Clique, Says Kostas Vaxevanis – 2 November 2012

The Guardian – Greek Editor Kostas Vaxevanis Acquitted Over Swiss Bank List – 1 November 2012

The New York Times – Greece Moves Quickly to Put Editor on Trial – 29 October 2012

BBC News – Greece Arrests Journalist Over ‘Lagarde List’ Banks Leak – 28 October 2012

GlobalPost – Greek Journalist Kostas Vaxevanis Arrested for Releasing ‘Lagarde List’ of Swiss Account Holders – 28 October 2012

The Guardian – Greek Magazine Editor in Court for Naming Alleged Tax Evaders – 28 October 2012