[Translated by Elena Renderos, La Chiva, CSN volunteer translator]
Troops from the 30th Brigade Murder Peasant in Catatumbo
Presented as “Deceased in Combat”
Peasant Association of Catatumbo / Friday, October 19, 2007
The Peasant Association of Catatumbo (Ascamcat) reports a grave incident that occurred in the rural neighborhood of Cartagenita, county of Convención (North Santander).
On October 16, 22-year-old Wílmer Jácome left a farm in the village of Patiecitos and walked towards another farm in the nearby village of Gramales, where he worked as a coffee picker. Along the way, he was attacked by troops from the Gamza Mechanized Battalion Group, assigned to the 30th brigade.
The young man’s parents began to worry because he was not present at work, nor did he return home. It was then that the community of Patiecito went to search for him. According to the community, it was not until the morning of October 17 that traces of blood were found an hour away from the path that led to Gramales. That same day, Wílmer Jácome was reported by the troops as deceased in combat.
The citizens express great concern and discomfort over indiscriminate attack on peasants. In addition, they demand justice, respect for life, freedom of movement, and for the distinction between peasants and combatants.
We call forth control agencies and national and international human rights advocates to monitor and demand from the military forces respect for life and an end to these attacks. Above all, we must keep in mind that the humanitarian situation in the region of Catatumbo is becoming increasingly critical, especially given the five previous deaths that have occurred here over the past month.
Colombia Support Network
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Madison, WI 53701-1505
phone: (608) 257-8753
fax: (608) 255-6621
e-mail: csn@igc.org
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