Former paramilitary leader Salvatore Mancuso Gómez awaits decision on his freedom
On the afternoon of Monday, March 4th, at 2 p.m., a judge will announce whether former paramilitary leader Salvatore Mancuso Gómez will be granted freedom. Mancuso was deported to Colombia from the United States on February 27 after serving a sentence for drug trafficking.
Mancuso, who was the former head of the AUC, was appointed by the government as a peace manager. Authorities are evaluating whether to grant him freedom to fulfill this mission. However, if Mancuso is released, he will not be able to travel to certain areas of the country where his criminal actions were concentrated during his time with the paramilitary organization.
According to Justice and Peace, Mancuso’s mobility would be limited to specific departments, including Córdoba, Sucre, Bolívar, and others along the Atlantic coast. Despite having family and residence in Córdoba, Mancuso would not be allowed to visit the department if released, as it would be seen as re-victimization and disrespect towards the rights of the victims.
During a recent hearing, the Prosecutor’s Office pointed out that Mancuso has multiple partial sentences against him in Justice and Peace. Additionally, there are 41,500 charges against him in Barranquilla and Bogotá courts. The Attorney General’s Office highlighted that the victims’ reparation has been insufficient and that Mancuso’s designation as a peace manager does not automatically require his freedom.
While some representatives of the victims did not oppose Mancuso’s release, they expressed concerns about the issue of reparation and ensuring that he continues to provide truth and deliver goods to the victims.
The decision on Mancuso’s freedom will have significant implications for the victims and the justice system in Colombia. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.