Demobilized paramilitary fighters have so far admitted 24 thousand murders of
Colombians, the latest report by the Prosecutor General’s
Justice and Peace unit, responsible for the investigation of
paramilitary crimes, claims.
According to Caracol Radio, who received a copy of the report, just over 8 thousand of the murders have been prosecuted so far.
In addition to the murders, demobilized paramilitaries admitted to having 1,020 minors and being responsible for 2,047 forced disappearances.
Former members of the right-wing death squads are also said to have kidnapped 781 persons, forcefully displaced 396 people, extorted 1,566 victims and raped 28 women.
According to the same report, 239,758 persons were officially registered as victims of either outlawed guerrilla or paramilitary groups. The prosecution was able to prove that 2,133 children, 2,170 women, 222 unionists and 184 indigenous were victims of actions by illegal armed groups.
2,392 human remains were exhumed from a total of 2,043 graves. 581 bodies were identified and returned to their families.
Following paramilitary confessions, the Prosecutor General’s Office announced that 140 members of the armed forces, 212 politicians and 42 government officials will be investigated for having collaborated with the right wing death squads.
Dozens of politicians, businessmen and members of the armed forces are already under investigation for their ties to the paramilitary organization AUC.
