Colombian Court Orders Protection for Ex-FARC Members Testifying at Peace Hearing

The Colombian Constitutional Court has ordered urgent security measures to protect 10 former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) who are set to testify about kidnappings at a hearing of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) in Ibagué on April 26, 2024. The court's Follow-up Chamber to the SU-020 Sentence of 2022 declared the state of affairs unconstitutional in terms of security for ex-FARC members.

The chamber emphasized that the recognition hearings are one of the most important procedures carried out by the JEP. It has asked the National Protection Unit to implement temporary protection measures to guarantee the safe and effective appearance of the 10 former FARC members at the hearing. The authorities must present a compliance report to the chamber.

Why this matters: The court's decision highlights the ongoing challenges and security issues faced by former FARC members participating in Colombia's peace process. Ensuring their safety is vital for the success of the transitional justice system and the country's efforts to uncover the truth about past crimes.

The JEP announced the court's decision on September 28, 2023. The upcoming hearing in Ibagué is part of the JEP's work to investigate and prosecute crimes committed during Colombia's prolonged armed conflict, including kidnappings carried out by the FARC.

The Constitutional Court's ruling emphasizes the importance of protecting former FARC members who are cooperating with the peace process and testifying about past crimes. The implementation of temporary protection measures by the National Protection Unit will be essential to ensure the safety of the 10 ex-FARC members as they provide their testimony at the April 26 hearing.

Key Takeaways

• Colombian court orders security measures to protect 10 ex-FARC members testifying on April 26, 2024.
• Hearing is part of JEP's investigation into crimes committed during Colombia's armed conflict.
• Court declares state of affairs unconstitutional regarding security for ex-FARC members.
• Ensuring safety of ex-FARC members is vital for success of Colombia's peace process.
• National Protection Unit must implement temporary protection measures for the 10 ex-FARC members.