Intelligence unit soldiers under the command of Iván Ramírez Quintero escorted the 11 out of the building as the military stormed the palace, prosecutors say. Armed M-19 rebels had taken over the courts the same day, seizing magistrates. At least 100 people were killed in the military attack.The 11 included cafeteria workers and a captured rebel. None was heard from again. Witnesses, including soldiers from Ramírez’s unit, say the captives were tortured and killed, according to an official in the chief prosecutor’s office who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the matter’s sensitivity.Ramírez, who was arrested Tuesday afternoon, faces at least 20 years in prison if convicted of “forced disappearance” charges. He is not accused of directly participating in their deaths.Nine judges were among those killed in the assault, and Colombia’s military was widely criticized for its violent handling of the standoff, which also led to a fire that destroyed judicial files.It was not immediately possible to reach Ramirez. He did not answer his cell phone and attempts to locate his lawyer were unsuccessful.
