JEP Demands Stronger Security After Lawyer and Bodyguards Are Briefly Abducted
Colombia's transitional justice tribunal is calling on the national government to reinforce protection for its personnel after armed men temporarily seized one of its lawyers and two escorts.
The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) formally requested the national government to provide stronger security guarantees to its officials following the temporary abduction of one of its lawyers and two bodyguards by armed men. The incident has thrown a spotlight on the growing dangers faced by personnel working on transitional justice cases across the country.
The JEP also asked for a review of the National Protection Unit's (UNP) protection schemes to ensure adequate coverage in conflict-affected regions. The tribunal's call comes as Colombia continues to grapple with armed group activity in areas where peace process implementation is most active.
The abduction, though temporary, is being treated as a serious warning sign. Transitional justice officials are among the most exposed actors in Colombia's ongoing peace efforts, and the JEP's public demand signals that existing security arrangements are falling short of what the work requires.
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Reportado por El Paisa, nuestro corresponsal colombiano.