Please read the monthly Urgent Action Network Newsletter posted 
on the web at: http://www.amnesty-USA.org/urgact/newslett.html 

Urgent Action Network
Amnesty International USA
PO Box 1270
Nederland CO 80466-1270
Email: sharriso@aiusa.org
http://www.amnesty-usa.org/urgact/
Phone: 303 440 0913
Fax:303 258 7881
--------------------------------------------------- 
17 November 1998
Further information on UA 122/98 issued 20 April 1998 - Fear for
Safety/ Extrajudicial execution

COLOMBIA            Eduardo Umana Mendoza

On 14 November 1998 three people were detained in connection with
the killing on 18 April 1998 of human rights lawyer, Eduardo Umana
Mendoza. Amnesty International welcomes this important
development in the investigation. However, the organization
reiterates its concern that any investigation must be complete and
result in bringing to justice all those who planned as well as
perpetrated this crime.

The three suspects were reportedly arrested by agents of the Cuerpo
Tecnico de Investigacion (CTI), Special Investigations Unit, of the
Unidad de Derechos Humanos de la Fiscalia, Human Rights Unit of
the Attorney General's Office.

Amnesty International has welcomed other similar positive steps in
high profile investigations into killings of human rights defenders
(UA62/98 issued 2 March and re-issued 21 September 1998; also UA
146/97 issued 20 May 1997 and re-issued
4 November 1997). The advances made so far have been due in
large part to the efforts of members of the CTI and other officials of
the Unidad de Derechos Humanos de la Fiscalia. The lives of those
investigating these cases are under constant threat and it is therefore
important to welcome the progress made, while simultaneously
calling on the Colombian Government to provide all necessary
support to enable the Unidad de Derechos Humanos de la Fiscalia to
complete its investigations and bring to justice all those responsible
for such crimes.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please e-mail/send
faxes/express/ airmail letters:
- welcoming the detention of three suspects in connection with the
killing of Eduardo Umana Mendoza as a positive advance in the
investigation;
- calling on the Government to provide the Unidad de Derechos
Humanos de la Fiscalia with all the necessary support to complete
the investigation;
- reiterating calls for the investigation to be full and impartial and for
all those responsible for the crime to be brought to justice;
- asking to be kept informed of any developments in the investigation;
- asking to be informed of any concrete steps taken by the authorities
to guarantee the safety of human right defenders.
- reminding Colombia's new government of the country's commitment
to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in particular Article 3:
'Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.'

APPEALS TO:
President of Colombia:
Presidente Andres Pastrana
Presidente de la Republica
Palacio de Narino
Carrera 8, No. 7-26
Santafe de Bogota, Colombia

Dear President Pastrana:

Telegrams: President Pastrana, Bogota, Colombia
Telex: 396 44281 PALP CO
Faxes: 011 571 289 3377 / 284 2186 / 286 7434
Email:  pastrana@presidencia.gov.co

Attorney General:
Dr.Alfonso Gomez Mendez,
Fiscal General de la Nacion
Fiscalia General de la Nacion
Diagonal 22B 5201
Apartado Aereo 29855
Santafe de Bogota,Colombia

Dear Dr.Mendez:

Telegrams: Fiscal General, Fiscalia General, Bogota, Colombia
Faxes:    011 571 570 2022


Minister of the Interior:
Dr. Nestor Humberto Martinez
Ministro del Interior
Ministerio del Interior
Carrera 8, No.8-09, Piso 2
Santafe de Bogota, COLOMBIA

Dear Minister:

Telegrams: Ministro del Interior, Bogota, Colombia
Telexes: 396 45406 MINGO CO
Faxes:    011 57 1 341 9739/286 0053


COPIES TO:
Human Rights Organization
Coordinacion de Organizacion No Gubermentales de Derechos
Humanos
Avenida Jimenez No. 8-49 Oficina 1001
Bogota, Colombia

Ambassador Juan Carlos Esguerra
Embassy of Colombia
2118 Leroy Pl. NW
Washington DC 20008

Please send appeals immediately. Check with the Colorado office
between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, Mountain Time, weekdays only, if
sending appeals after December 29, 1998.

''Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.'
Article 3, Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Visit the Amnesty International UDHR campaign website on
http://www.amnesty.excite.com

- Please take action as soon as you can (hopefully when
you receive this Urgent Action appeal). Carefully read the
recommended action and send a telegram, fax or airmail
letter immediately to one or more of the addresses given.

- With Urgent Action appeals, A.I. has to act rapidly to
prevent a serious human rights abuse. An appeal is
issued when the organization believes it has received
reliable and accurate information in such cases. It is not
always possible to verify all details independently and in
some instances the situation outlined in the appeal may
change. Urgent Action participants are always notified of
any significant new information.

- Send your appeals in English unless you are fluent with
the language of the target country.

- Information about the alleged connection of any person
with an organization which is banned in their country is
provided for information only and should not be included in
appeals.

- Your letters should be brief, polite, nonpartisan and to-the-
point.

- Copies of any replies from government authorities should
be sent immediately to the Colorado office. If appropriate,
thank the official who has replied and ask to be kept
informed about the case.

- Postage costs: airmail letters to most countries which
include an envelope and a one-page letter cost 60 cents;
to Mexico -  40 cents. Aerogrammes and postcards are 50
cents each.

- The name of Amnesty International may be used although
letters written in a private or professional capacity are
often more effective.