Colombia investigates ‘false’ demobilizations

Colombian authorities open an investigation into alleged irregularities in the demobilization of combatants under former Peace Commissioner Carlos Restrepo.

According to El Espectador, initial findings have indicated that there was a false demobilization where several men from the FARC claimed to have demobilized while they were still recruiting in Bogota.

This was apparently not the only incident, with Armando telling La F.M. that it appears several criminals entered the process, only to circumvent the controls so as to obtain the benefits on offer from the government for demobilization.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Nestor Armando Novoa, has begun investigating reports that Restrepo was aware of these evasions.

Interior and Justice Minister German Vargas Lleras said that the investigation is ongoing and that he hopes it will lead to a solid conclusion.

He added that this doesn’t have implications for current reintegration efforts for former paramilitaries and guerrillas, and that reintegration into society will only be allowed for those who simply belonged to an illegal organization, not those who have committed crimes against humanity.

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