Two more leading FENSUAGRO activists arrested
10 Aug 2011
Dear all,
Many of you signed our urgent action calling for the release of 4 FENSUAGRO agricultural workers' union activists imprisoned in Putumayo. However, in the last days two more leading FENSUAGRO activists have also been arrested on July 30th and August 7th. Please support our call for their release. For more information and to sign the letter click here.
In other news from Colombia, a trade union leader from the mining and energy workers' union, SINTRAMIENERGETICA was shot and killed last week. This brings the total number of trade unionists killed in Colombia so far in 2011 to 18.
Additionally, oil workers have been targeted as retaliation for protests against poor working conditions. During strike action on July 14th an USO oil workers' union activist was arrested on charges of 'terrorism'. The industrial action also saw USO President Rodolfo Vecino receive death threats. During oil workers' mobilisations in Meta, police attacked workers, setting their camp aflame and injuring 16. In Putumayo, oil sector trade unionists in the SINTRAPETROPUTUMAYO union survived assassination attempts and received threats.
Meanwhile, last month a respected Colombian NGO released a report which concludes that the war is far from over, underlining the growing need for a peace process. Meanwhile President Santos issued an order to the armed forces allowing them to destroy civilian buildings from which they perceive attacks. Indigenous groups, trade unions, and human rights groups have rejected the move, saying it will lead to more civilians being killed.
The government has also refused to ratify an additional protocol to the UN Convention on Torture, and has passed a controversial Intelligence Law, which critics say will be used to legalise spying and repression of trade unions and the political opposition.
Keep up with the latest news from Colombia with the JFC Twitter account and JFC Facebook.
Some recent news links:
Human Rights Defenders: 29 killed in First Six Months of 2011 9 August
International Figures Write to Santos: Release Liliany 9 August
La Macarena: Locals Occupy Airfield in Peaceful Protest 4 August
New Intelligence Law Legalises Hacking 2 August
Indigenous, Peasants and Afro-descendents of North-Eastern Antioquia Propose Peace Talks 1 August
Miners' Leader Assassinated 28 July
Oil Workers' Protest Camp Attacked and Set Ablaze 26 July
Update: Indigenous Man Killed by Army Named 26 July
CUT Official Shot in Cali 26 July
Union President Survives Assassination Attempt 26 July
Indigenous Man Feared Murdered after Disappearance 26 July
Another Displaced Leader Killed 25 July
Report Shows Increase in FARC Activity This Year 25 July
Colombian Government Refuses to Ratify Torture Convention 20 July
Human Rights Defender Arrested 18 July
Colombia: The Truth behind the Poll Figures 15 July