The war crimes tribunal that took force in Colombia on Monday should call the first war crime suspects to trial within six months, the court’s chief prosecutor said.
The Special Jurisdiction for Peace, or JEP, will try thousands of former guerrillas and members of the military for the crimes and atrocities committed in half a century of armed conflict.
The chief prosecutor at the court, Giovanni Alvarez, told newspaper El Tiempo on Tuesday that the court will begin public hearings once all logistical preparations are made.
JEP chief prosecutor Giovanni Alvarez
According to Alvarez, the special prosecutors will initially prioritize the prosecution of war crimes related to the recruitment of children, sexual violence and environmental crimes.
The court will have to investigate thousands of war crimes, including mass kidnapping, the execution of civilians and high profile guerrilla attacks on civilians.
JEP chief prosecutor Giovanni Alvarez
The chief prosecutor told the newspaper that the special prosecution office will hire more than 200 officials who will be investigating and prosecuting war crimes committed during the conflict.
JEP chief prosecutor Giovanni Alvarez
The court will call both former FARC guerrillas and members of the military to court. Civilians who are suspected of war crimes can report themselves voluntarily to avoid prosecution before a common court.
The cases brought before the tribunal will be chosen based on the criminal complaints filed by the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ombudsman and victims organizations, Alvarez said.
Everything you need to know about Colombia’s transitional justice system
The office will develop special protocols that will allow the participation of civilians, some of whom continue to be threatened by illegal armed groups. This process will take at least until May, according to the special prosecutor.
Alvarez stressed that the restorative justice system will contribute to peace and reconciliation after more than five decades of armed conflict if his office is able to prosecute past crimes.
JEP chief prosecutor Giovanni Alvarez
The JEP will be in force for a period of at least 10 years. Its mandate can be extended to a period of 20 years.
Colombia’s armed conflict