FARC Leaders Sentenced: A Historic Step in Colombian Peace Process

A Colombian court has sentenced seven former FARC leaders to eight years of reparations work for their roles in kidnappings. These landmark sentences are the first by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace under the 2016 peace deal. The court focuses on crimes against humanity, including war crimes perpetrated by rebels and the military.

In a groundbreaking ruling, Colombia's Special Jurisdiction for Peace has sentenced seven former leaders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to eight years of reparations work. The decision marks the first individual punishment from the tribunal set up under the 2016 peace deal.

Among those sentenced were ex-FARC leader Rodrigo Londono, also known as Timochenko, alongside significant figures such as Pablo Catatumbo and Pastor Alape. The court focuses on rectifying decades of kidnapping and violence that plagued civilians, military personnel, and political figures in Colombia.

The ruling, acknowledging over 4,000 victims, aims to provide closure through victim participation, road construction, and landmine removal projects. As the FARC rebrands into the Comunes political party, their leaders have pledged ongoing contributions to truth and reconciliation efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)