Colombia: Death threats against human rights defenders
Front Line is deeply concerned following reports of death threats against members of human rights organisations Fedeagromisbol, Sembrar and ElPrograma de Desarrollo y Paz del Magdalena Medio, as well as priests from the region of Sur de Bolívar, received on 10 April 2008. These organisations promote mining and agricultural projects and support local communities in Sur de Bolívar.
Further Information
Posted 17/04/2008 On 10 April 2008, these organisations and priests received threatening emails that were signed by paramilitary group Las Águilas Negras, Bloque Norte de Colombia. The emails informed them that they had been put on a death list and that they were currently under surveillance by members of the Águilas Negras.
Front Line has previously raised the issue of the arbitrary detention of Teofilo Manual Acuña, President of Fedeagromisbol, on 26 April 2007.
Front Line believes that the threats against the members of Fedeagromisbol, Sembrar and El Programa de Desarrollo y Paz del Magdalena Medio, as well as priests from the region of Sur de Bolívar, are related to their legitimate work as human rights defenders. Front Line is concerned for their physical and psychological integrity.
This Urgent Appeal has now ended. No further action is requested at this point. Thank you for taking action on this case.
Front Line issues Urgent Appeals on behalf of human rights defenders at risk on a daily basis. These Appeals normally remain active on our web site for a period of up to six weeks, depending on the situation. After this time they will be archived. Front Line maintains a watching brief on all these cases but no further action is requested after the six weeks, unless there is a significant development in the case.
