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Twenty-one soldiers have been admitted to taking part in the so-called “false positive” killings, according to a special court.
Twenty-one former Colombian soldiers and civilians have admitted responsibility for the forced disappearances and subsequent killings of at least 227 people, the country’s Transitional Court said.
This is the first time that former members of the security forces, including a general, have accepted their role war crimes and crimes against humanity In the ongoing internal conflict of the South American nation.
The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) was created by the court 2016 peace agreement Between the Colombian government and the now demobilized Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) rebels.
It is about judging former fighters by distributing alternative punishments in exchange for full publicity.
The men admitted to participating in the so-called “false positive” killings when soldiers killed civilians and registered as rebels killed in battle for promotions and other rewards.
A total of 120 people have been killed in the eastern Catatumbo region of the northern province of Santander and another 127 in the Caribbean region of Colombia, according to the JEP. statement on Friday.
“I express my regret for the great pain caused by the abominable acts committed … which resulted in the deaths of innocent people presented as fighters, leaving their loved ones in deep sorrow,” said former General Paulino Coronado Gamez in court.
The JEP says at least 6,402 people were killed false positive killings Between 2002 and 2008, during the administration of former President Alvaro Uribe, rights groups claim. the total is much higher.
“The JEP has concluded that the crimes would not have happened had it not been for the institutional policy of counting Army corps, without a policy of incentives and without constant pressure from commanders on subordinates,” the statement said.
Dozens of arrested or convicted army officials have appeared before the JEP to seek lighter sentences that they would have received under conventional justice.
The other two men accused, both colonels, denied responsibility and their cases will now be handled by a special investigation unit. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison.
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