A judge in western Colombia sends nine members of the Communist Party and leftist movement Marcha Patriotica to jail for their ties to rebel group FARC, local media reported Monday
The Manizales judge’s decision went against the defendants’ pleas for probation or house arrest.
“The important thing is to respect due process and note that they are doctors, sociologists and university professors who can contribute to society from their professional activities,” said defense attorney Dario Diaz.
“It is a political judgement…taking into account that most of the defendants are members of the Communist Party and the Patriotic March,” continued Diaz.
The hearing reportedly lasted 18 hours and did not end until early Sunday morning.