Emergency motion - E1 Colombia

E1      Colombia

Congress is outraged at the imprisonment of Colombian academic, Miguel Beltran, on 31 July, charged with rebellion. Mr. Beltran had been cleared of these charges in 2011 after over two years in prison. Congress is appalled that Mr. Beltran was assaulted by a prison guard and visits from relatives and lawyers have been obstructed. We condemn his treatment and call for his immediate release.

The imprisonment of Mr. Beltran comes alongside several other arrests of activists, with four human rights activists arrested in central Colombia in July. With potential strike action being organised in 2016, Congress is concerned at the ongoing use of pre-emptive arrests. Huber Ballesteros, arrested during strikes in 2013, remains in prison without trial.

Congress is alarmed at the increased violence against activists – 69 were killed in the first eight months of 2015 according to the UN. With upcoming regional elections in October, violence against opposition candidates is worrying – on 8 September a mayoral candidate escaped alive after he was shot at eight times.

Congress believes that these abuses undermine efforts for peace in Colombia.

Congress congratulates Justice for Colombia for its ongoing work to denounce abuses and to support the peace process.

Congress calls on the General Council to:

i.campaign for the release of Mr. Beltran, Mr. Ballesteros and all Colombia’s political prisoners

ii.support the peace process in Colombia and the Justice for Colombia Peace Campaign

iii.continue to support JFC politically and financially and encourage unions to affiliate.

Mover: ASLEF

Seconder: University and College Union