Colombia’s House of Representatives Monday approved a law that seeks a
way out of the judicial limbo of some 20,000 demobilized paramilitary
fighters.
The fighters, all members of the demobilized Self Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) massively demobilized after they were promised to not be tried like ordinary criminals and to receive a political status.
When this proved to be against the law, the pending massive prosecution of these paramilitaries led to fears that the justice system would block completely. The government also claimed the broken promise was undermining its credibility in possible future peace talks with other illegal armed groups.
The approved bill allows the prosecution to absolve any paramilitary fighter who is low ranked and not suspected of any crimes against humanity.