Extradited paramilitary warlord Diego Fernando Murillo, alias “Don Berna,” once again refused to cooperate with Colombia’s Justice and Peace process, reports El Tiempo.
Speaking from Miami the 49-year-old former paramilitary leader said that his 30-year sentence was effectively a life sentence and that there were no guarantees for the safety of his family in Colombia.
Murillo said that his family living in Antioquia department had received death threats.
The former gang leader also said in October that he would not continue testifying, as his family was not safe.
Murillo is not the first extradited paramilitary head to suspend his cooperation; “Cuco” Vanoy suspended his cooperation after his son was murdered.
Several national and international organizations have criticized the Colombian government over the extradition of the AUC’s top leaders to the United States, saying their extradition is obstructing the search for the truth about links between the AUC and politicians.
In June Colombia amended its extradition treaty with the U.S. so that demobilized paramilitaries participating in the Justice and Peace program cannot be extradited until they have adequately complied with the reparation process.