Colombia labor applauds convictions (prosecuted to impress U.S. Democrats)

Source: Christian Science Monitor

Colombia labor applauds convictions
Leaders say government is only taking action against organizers' to secure US trade deal.
By Sibylla Brodzinsky | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor
from the November 13, 2007 edition


Bogotá, Colombia - Friends and family of Aury Sara, the former head of the northern branch of Colombia's oil workers' union, had little doubt about who ordered his 2001 kidnapping, torture, and murder, but they had little hope of ever seeing those men convicted of the crimes.

The case, like hundreds of similar cases in the world's most violent country for union workers, had become mired in Colombia's labyrinthine legal system. But last month a special court sentenced three top leaders of the now-demobilized paramilitary forces – one of whom is dead – to 40 years each and fines of about $160,000 for ordering Sara's murder.

The sentence is one of nine convictions handed down by three specially designated judges whose sole responsibility as of July is to resolve cases involving violence against union members going as far back as 1986.

The sudden surge in convictions is a victory for Colombia's workers' rights movement, one brought on, labor leaders say, by the government's strong desire to pass a key free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States. While the US Congress approved a similar deal with neighboring Peru last week, Colombia's trade pact is stalled over concern among some Democrats about the high level of impunity in human rights cases, especially involving trade union members.




Read more: http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1113/p07s02-woam.html

where he placed his butt up on the podium, where other people rest their notes while speaking. Apparently he wanted to allow them to get a better view of his moneymaker.

Colombian newspapers carried pictures of Rep. David Dreier, a California Republican, sitting on top of the wooden podium and talking with local legislators on Tuesday while on an official visit…

“I have the highest regard for the Congress of Colombia,” Dreier told reporters in Bogota. “I meant absolutely no offense … I simply wanted to demonstrate my warm feeling and affection.”

Dreier was part of _Bush's plan to ram through the FTA, which has faltered. According to the original article,

A steady stream of US congressional delegations has been coming to Colombia in the past few months, led by Bush administration officials hoping to convince US lawmakers that Colombia, Washington's strongest ally in South America, deserves free trade with the US.
(snip)