Colombia: Murders of Former FARC Guerrilla Fighters Continue Unabated

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The persecution of the political opposition in Colombia persists. The latest victim is former guerrilla fighter Wílder Daniel Marín Alarcón.

The body of the FARC (Common Alternative Revolutionary Force) party member was found wrapped in a mattress that had been set on fire. Only forensics were able to identify him. The murder took place last Thursday in the department of Antioquia in the Bello community.

Marín Alarcón, only 22 years old, had adhered to the Havana peace agreement between the Colombian state and the FARC-EP guerrillas, which was intended, among other things, to guarantee the guerrillas’ transition to a political party.

The demobilized FARC members were guaranteed an amnesty and reintegration into civilian life, provided they had not committed any crimes against humanity.

The UN monitoring mission in Colombia condemned the murder of the FARC party member.

It reiterates its concern over the killing of formal guerrilla fighters who laid down their weapons in good faith, the assassinations of social leaders and human rights activists, and the violent actions against communities in the regions affected by the conflict.

This concern is also shared by the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council.

The monitoring mission is also pressing for an intensification of measures to dismantle criminal organizations and their support networks in order to ensure the safety of these individuals.

Marín Alarcón is now the 196th demobilized FARC fighter to be killed. In 2020 alone, 24 murders of individuals in the process of reintegration were reported.

The FARC party criticizes the government in this respect and calls for an immediate state reaction and greater political commitment to implement the peace agreements.