Former members of paramilitary groups so far confessed to have murdered a total of 20,979 people in the last 22 years, Radio
Caracol reported Monday.
According to a report of the Prosecution’s Justice and Peace Unit, responsible for the investigation of paramilitary crimes, the Prosecution so far was able to verify 5808 of the confessed murders committed by the self-defense groups.
The former paramilitaries also confessed 78 displacements throughout the country, 968 forced disappearances, recruitment of 380 children, 425 extortion and 132 kidnappings.
In total, 220,000 people have been victims to paramilitary actions in the last 22 years, the report says. Women and children have been the most affected by crimes of the self-defense groups.
According to the report, crimes against 2,133 children, 2,081 women, 220 trade unionists, 176 indigenous people, 83 members of the UP and 30 journalists so far have been proven by the Prosecution.
The confessions of the paramilitaries led to investigations against 140 members of Armed Forces, dozens of senators and representatives, 115 mayors, 12 governors and 25 city councilors for their alleged links to self-defense groups.