(New York, December 17, 2002) The
recent spate of bombings in Colombian cities has caused dozens of civilian
casualties and is being used to spread terror, Human Rights Watch said today.
Human Rights Watch called on the forces planting these explosives to stop
this reprehensible campaign, which constitutes a serious violation of international
humanitarian law and is clearly meant to threaten and intimidate Colombia's
democratically-elected congress at a time when they are making decisions
critical to the country's future.
"What violent groups cannot accomplish
through argument and debate they are attempting to achieve through terror.
We stand with Colombians who are attempting to work out their differences
with respect for the law, not by maiming the innocent."
José Miguel Vivanco
Executive Director
Americas Division
Human Rights Watch
|
|
"What violent groups cannot accomplish
through argument and debate they are attempting to achieve through terror,"
said José Miguel Vivanco, executive director of the Americas Division of
Human Rights Watch. "We stand with Colombians who are attempting to work
out their differences with respect for the law, not by maiming the innocent."
On December 13, a book bomb disguised
as a gift was sent to Senator Germán Vargas Lleras at his congressional office
in Bogotá, and the explosion injured his face and hands. Later that day,
a suitcase bomb was detonated nearby, in a restaurant at the Resedencias
Tequendama, a hotel where many congressional representative reside during
the legislative session. At least 23 were injured. The next day, another
bomb was detonated in a store in residential area north of the downtown.
Earlier in the week, government authorities
also reported deactivating five separate remote-controlled car bombs packed
with at least 550 pounds of explosives, ready to be deployed. In the past,
both guerrillas and paramilitaries have used bombs to spread terror. Therefore,
it is critical that the government dedicate the necessary resources to fully
investigate these crimes and bring to justice those responsible.
|
