Colombian Peace Court Issues Landmark Sentences to FARC Leaders

A special court in Colombia has delivered a landmark ruling, sentencing seven ex-leaders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to eight years of reparations work. The verdict relates to their involvement in kidnapping operations conducted for ransom.

This is the first instance of individual punishment meted out by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), which is tasked with addressing war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both FARC and military leaders. "The sentences mark a new procedural phase," said JEP president Alejandro Ramelli, emphasizing the combination of accountability and reparative action for victims, communities, and their regions.

The sentenced former FARC leaders include their one-time top leader Rodrigo Londono and members of its secretariat, such as Pablo Catatumbo, Pastor Alape, Milton de Jesus Toncel, Jaime Alberto Parra, Julian Gallo Cubillos, and Rodrigo Granda.

(With inputs from agencies.)