The United States is considering to revoke the visa of the Colombian general that led the armed forces until last week.
General Juan Pablo Rodriguez was replaced by former army commander General Jaime Mejia on November 30.
According to a McClatchy report in the Miami Herald, the change in command happened while the US government was investigating whether to revoke Rodriguez’ visa. A US embassy spokesperson said this was coincidental.
Both the State Department and Department of Homeland Security have the ability to block or deny visas to foreign dignitaries, and it is likely that the court cases involving Rodriguez … triggered a review.
McClatchy
The former military commander has been accused of involvement in the assassination of civilians who were subsequently dressed up as guerrillas and reported as combat kills.
According to the International Criminal Court, Rodriguez must be investigated over claims he took part in murdering civilians while commanding the 4th Brigade in Medellin.
ICC wants Colombia’s armed forces commander prosecuted over mass execution of civilians
Members of the military executed thousands of civilians during the presidential terms of former President Alvaro Uribe in a scandal euphemistically dubbed “false positives.”
Hundreds of soldiers have been convicted for the homicides, but the prosecution has failed to file charges against many of the commanders who have been implicated in the scandal.
Colombia’s former National Army Commander, General Jaime Lasprilla, left his post as the defense attache in Washington DC shortly after McClatchy reported on his controversial appointment.
Lasprilla is also accused of involvement in multiple homicides.
A truth commission took force in Colombia earlier this week as part of a peace process with the FARC, until last year the country’s largest guerrilla group.
The commission and a war crimes tribunal are set to investigate grave human rights violations that occurred during the half-a-century conflict by both the FARC and the military.
