The Colombian government refused pardons to 130 demobilized guerrillas and paramilitaries, Caracol Radio reported Tuesday.
Minister of the Interior German Vargas Lleras announced that this week the government will send out the first round of refusals to a number of demobilized guerrillas and paramilitaries who have committed crimes against humanity.
Applications for pardon were denied to more than 130 people who committed crimes such as kidnapping, murder or terrorism. Under a January decree by the government of President Juan Manuel Santos, which laid a boundary between “political crimes” and “heinous crimes,” and said that those who committed crimes of the latter nature will not have the option of being pardoned.
Only 10 people in this initial group, who were in prison for political crimes such as rebellion, received pardon.
Following the January decree, which also is putting an end to the provision allowing for demobilization from prison, those currently detained have only until March 13 to demobilize if they wish to apply for pardon.