Colombian Rebel Leaders Sentenced for Wartime Kidnappings: Historic Peace Court Ruling

A Colombian court has sentenced seven former FARC leaders to eight years of reparations work for kidnappings during the conflict. This marks the first individual punishment by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. Victim participation is included in reparations like road building and landmine removal, acknowledging over 4,000 victims.

A landmark decision by a special Colombian court has sentenced seven ex-rebel leaders from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to a maximum of eight years in reparations work, reflecting their involvement in wartime kidnappings. This verdict by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace earmarks the first individual punishments since the implementation of the 2016 peace deal.

JEP president Alejandro Ramelli emphasized the significance of the ruling, noting, "For more than five decades, the past governed our present. Today, we break that cycle." Among the sentenced are former FARC top leader Rodrigo Londono, known as Timochenko, and other high-ranking members like Pablo Catatumbo and Milton de Jesus Toncel.

The reparations mandate necessitates active victim participation, directing initiatives such as building infrastructure and aiding in the removal of landmines. The court's decision honors the voices of over 4,000 victims who contributed to the case and serves as an acknowledgment of the injustices endured.

(With inputs from agencies.)