CPTnet
18 June 2011
COLOMBIA: Men identified as belonging to the paramilitary group "Black Eagles" lurking in village of Santa Marta  

CPT is accompanying the organization CAHUCOPANA in its struggle for justice and is thus sharing the following information about the current grave human rights situation in Northeast Antioquia.  If you are interested in learning more about the work of CAHUCOPANA, please participate in the next delegation (July 14th to 26th).  Click here for more information.             

 Men identified as belonging to the paramilitary group "Black Eagles" lurking in village of Santa Marta  

 On Sunday 29 May 2011, the Corporation for Humanitarian Action Coexistence and Peace in Northeast Antioquia (CAHUCOPANA), learned of the 28 May presence of armed men in the village of Santa Marta in Northeast Antioquia.  The six men identified themselves as members of the paramilitary group "Aguilas Negras" (Black Eagles), carried rifles, and wore dark clothing.  The community also reported that while in the region this group was accompanied by a guerilla deserter with the alias "Jair."  They asked for "Lata,” "Colacho,” "Nando" and "Darius," which are nicknames of peasants living in the region.  Darius is now deceased. 

Troops National Army are still stationed in the Puma village in same municipality.  These events represent an early warning sign for farmers in the Northeast region of Antioquia, who fear for their lives and personal integrity.  We call on national and international organizations, human rights defenders, and unions to act in solidarity with this community.  We ask of the authorities

• That the armed forces in the region protect the life and integrity of the inhabitants in these villages, demanding that the armed actors comply and respect the human rights of people that live in the area.  

• Push forward the necessary measures to guarantee the right to life, freedom of movement, personal integrity to the people living in the area, members of grassroots organizations, and