Public hearing set for controversial ‘Framework for Peace’ legislation

Colombia’s Constitutional court will hold a public audience to decide on the the framework for peace, a proposed set of legislation defining legal boundaries for the possible demobilization of the FARC and other illegal armed groups.

The 25 June 25 hearing, which would ordinarily be private, will see state institutions, international NGOs, universities and representatives from the civil population deliver their verdict on the legislation, the court announced on Thursday.

The judicial framework has drawn criticism since it was approved by Congress in 2012, with critics suggesting that the legislation potentially allows persons responsible for serious crimes to not only escape jail time, but also be elected to public office.

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The Constitutional Court will use the information collected as a result of the hearing to take a decision on whether to amend or reconsider the peace framework. Any decision made towards challenging the legislation would also be likely to provoke controversy due to the peace negotiations currently being held between the government and Colombia’s largest rebel group the FARC, who’s future would be significantly affected by any changes in the law.

Sources

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