Human rights activists in Medellin in danger: Ombusman

[Judi Lynn]

Human rights activists in Medellin in danger: Ombusman
Friday, 01 April 2011 10:10
Toni Peters

Members of human rights organizations in the Medellin neighborhood of Comuna 6 are receiving death threats from illegal armed groups said the local Ombudsman.

Medellin Ombudsman Jairo Herran Vargas has emphatically dismissed the death threats. He said social groups which try to find alternative means to solve the problem of violence are targets because of their commendable purpose, adding that their members are victims of several kinds of harassment, persecution and stigmatization.

The activities and processes that the groups carry out to encourage peaceful coexistence, with the support of the Ombudsman's Office, conflict with the interests of the armed illegal groups. The Ombudsman's Office is therefore keen to find ways to give the activists full protection.

Among those threatened are Carlos Alberto Arcila Valencia, Rafael Rincon Patiño, Giovanny Villa and Fabian Tamayo who claim that illegal groups in the area are working in cooperation with the police. Those threatened have been in contact with the Interior and Justice Ministry, the Metropolitan Police and other municipal authorities to try and ensure their safety.

More:
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/15306-human-rights-activists-in-medellin-in-danger-ombusman.html

(My emphasis.)