:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/7T4DGDA2FJEGBF3G4J2LTHKCJQ.jpg "Victims of paramilitarism in Colombia speak out after the imminent freedom of Salvatore Mancuso")
Archive photograph of former paramilitary chief Salvatore Mancuso, participating virtually in a Colombian Government event. EFE/Mario Caicedo
Recently, it was learned that the Bogotá Chamber of Justice and Peace issued the release ticket for Salvatore Mancuso, former paramilitary commander, after lifting all security measures against him.
In a statement addressed to the director of La Picota, Mauricio Ríos, it was reported that, after a hearing on May 9, 2024, the replacement of 57 security measures for Mancuso was granted, paving the way for his release.
Now you can follow us on our WhatsApp Channel and in Facebook.
However, the suspension of three sentences issued by ordinary judges related to crimes in the context of the armed conflict is still pending, which prevents his immediate release from prison.
Given this news, the victims of the demobilized United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) have expressed their opinions on the Colombian radio station W Radio about the possible freedom of the former paramilitary leader.
Juan David Díaz, son of Mayor Eudaldo Díaz, murdered in 2003, recalled for that media outlet that Mancuso is accused of more than 35,000 crimes and pointed out the seriousness of his actions, stating that “we are not talking about a person who accidentally ran over to someone and took their life.”
On the other hand, Álvaro Álvarez, a relative of Luis Francisco Hernández and Freddy Hernández, has a different perspective. He believes that Mancuso’s freedom could be beneficial, since during his years in prison it has not been possible to establish a dialogue with him.
“I hope he does tell us exactly what happened to those people, where they are, who gave the order and why they did it,” Álvarez said on W Radio, emphasizing the importance of getting direct answers from Mancuso.
Both agree on the need for Mancuso to collaborate with justice and reveal the truth about his past actions. However, while Díaz is skeptical about his willingness to do so, Álvarez is hopeful that his freedom will facilitate this process and allow victims to get the closure they need.
On February 27, 2024, former paramilitary chief Salvatore Mancuso returned to Colombia after serving a sentence in the United States since 2008. The former paramilitary’s decision came after President Gustavo Petro’s invitation to become a peace manager.
Former paramilitary chief, Salvatore Mancuso – credit Infobae
However, the processes opened against Salvatore Mancuso made his future as a peace manager uncertain, until the Superior Court of Bogotá ordered the release of the former paramilitary leader, because the 57 arrest warrants he had in his possession were lifted. against.
Now you can follow us on our WhatsApp Channel and in Facebook.
“From the Salvatore Mancuso Gómez postulate, secondly, replace the 57 intramural preventive detentions of Salvatore Mancuso with others, without that connotation, with the obligation to subscribe to the premonitory defense in which the obligations and clarifications regarding the component of truth and delivery are listed. of assets,” said Judge José Manuel Parra.
According to the Chamber of Justice and Peace of Bogotá, Mancuso’s freedom is due to the fact that he has represented with deeds his intentions to work for peace in the country.
Thus, Nelson Menjura, Salvatore Mancuso’s lawyer, announced on RCN Radio that once the release of the former commander of the Colombian Self-Defense Forces is completed, he will hold a series of meetings with other leaders and former members of the extinct group. paramilitary with the objective of locating around 400 mass graves in border areas with Venezuela and Córdoba.