PRESS RELEASE

Nš 18/02

 

THE IACHR CONDEMNS KIDNAPPING OF ANTIOQUIA GOVERNOR  

 

          

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemns the kidnapping of the Governor of the department of Antioquia, Guillermo Gaviria and of his peace advisor and ex-Minister of Defense, Gilberto Echeverry.  The two men were kidnapped on Sunday April 21, 2002 in the aforementioned department of Colombia. 

          The IACHR expresses its most absolute repudiation and condemnation of the kidnapping perpetrated by FARC, during the course of an initiation carried out by the Governor to bring peace and reconciliate in the town of Caicedo.  The Commission recalls yet again that kidnapping and the taking of hostages is a serious violation of international law. 

          As it has done in the past in regard to acts violating international law perpetrated by armed dissident groups, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights calls on the group holding Governor Gaviria, his advisor Gilberto Echeverry as well as 12 representatives of Valle kidnapped two weeks ago to safeguard their lives, safety and health and to release them immediately and unconditionally.

 

Washington D.C., April 25, 2002