Colombia Peace Tribunal Indicts 27 Ex-FARC Members for Crimes Against Humanity, Sexual Violence

Colombia's Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) has indicted 27 former FARC guerrillas, including top leaders, for crimes against humanity. The charges encompass a "pattern" of sexual violence throughout the armed conflict, alongside other atrocities like attacks, massacres, homicides, disappearances, and forced displacement. The JEP, established by the 2016 peace agreement, aims to prosecute the most severe crimes committed during Colombia's long-running conflict, offering alternative sentences for those who confess and repair victims.

Among the prominent figures facing indictment is Rodrigo Londoño, known as Timochenko, the former head of the FARC's secretariat who signed the peace accord. These individuals had previously submitted to transitional justice, acknowledging their roles in crimes and contributing to historical truth. Last year, they received initial sentences for mass kidnappings, resulting in eight-year restrictions on movement and community service obligations set to begin soon.

The accused are held responsible for various crimes, either through direct action or omission, according to Judge Julieta Lemaitre. She highlighted disturbing cases of civilian abuse, asserting that a "pattern" of sexual violence was established within the rebel ranks. Lemaitre emphasized that even a failure to control troops incurs criminal responsibility. The JEP faces criticism from some political sectors who deem the sentences too lenient and object to investigations involving state forces linked to paramilitary groups.

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The fact that (the commanders) did not control the troops also generates criminal responsibility.