Former guerrilla ‘Karina’ is allowed to leave prison. The Colombian
government suspended the detention of the former commander of the
FARC’s 47th front because of her collaboration with
justice. ‘Karina’, always described as one of the FARC most blood
thirsty members, will become “peace manager”.
The release of ‘Karina’ and a second demobilized guerrilla, Raúl Agudelo, is part of the Government’s strategy to persuade other members of the FARC to lay down their weapons and surrender. They will enjoy reduced sentences if they collaborate with justice, give information that can be used in the fight against the FARC and help repair their victims.
“The Government (…) has taken the decision to suspend the detention of Elda Neyis Mosquera García, alias ‘Karina’, and of Raúl Agudelo Medina, who have formally expressed their desire for peace and to contribute to the implementation of international humanitarian law and have committed to cease all illegal activities to return to civil life and collaborate with justice,” a press statement by the Interior and Justice Ministry said.
The release is not absolution of their crimes or amnesty, but a suspension of their sentence. The two guerrillas will continuously be monitored by officials of the prison authority.
It is unclear what the role of “peace manager” means, but the release of what used to be one of the FARC’s most feared commanders, is a serious attempt of the National Government to show its commitment to allow demobilized guerrillas enjoy similar treatment as demobilized members of former paramilitary organization AUC.
‘Karina’ is one of the most prominent rebel leaders that voluntarily surrendered. She has confessed eight murders and is suspected of extortion and kidnapping. She gave herself in on May 18, 2008.
