Extradited paramilitary warlord Diego Fernando Murillo, alias “Don Berna,” on Tuesday refused to continue his cooperation with the Colombian government under the Justice and Peace law.
According to newspaper El Espectador the former paramilitary claims that he and his family are not receiving the security and benefits guaranteed by the Justice and Peace law.
The Justice and Peace law offers reduced sentences to paramilitaries in exchange for testimony about their crimes.
“Don Berno” said that his rights have been violated and so he will not continue to cooperate with the government.
A statement soon to be published will further explain Murillo’s decison.
Ivan Velasquez, assistant judge to the Criminal Division of the Supreme Court, will travel to the United States in November to attempt to convince the former paramilitary to continue his cooperation.
There are numerous former members of the AUC in custody in the United States, and many are refusing to participate in the Justice and Peace program and testify against former associates without guarantees of their families’ safety. Salvatore Mancuso in particular has ceased his cooperation with authorities until the safety of his relatives is ensured.
In June Colombia amended its extradition treaty with the U.S. so that demobilized paramilitaries participating in the Justice and Peace program cannot be extradited until they have adequately complied with the reparation process.
