Colombia’s state council restores political rights of prominent leftist politician

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Colombia Reports

Colombia’s state council restores political rights of prominent leftist politician

written by Adriaan Alsema October 11, 2016



Colombia’s state council has restored the political rights of leftist former Senator Piedad Cordoba, meaning she will be able to take part in elections again after six years of being politically excluded.

Cordoba was removed from the senate in 2010 after former Inspector General Alejandro Ordoñez, an ultra-conservative Catholic, barred her from holding public office on false charges she had ties to guerrilla group FARC.

. . .

The ruling exposed how the leftist Senator for almost a decade had been falsely accused by Ordoñez and his political allies, former hard-line President Alvaro Uribe, of having ties to the FARC.

Consequently, many Colombians for years were misled to falsely believe she was a guerrilla collaborator, which left her exposed to widespread verbal abuse and even death threats.

Read more: http://colombiareports.com/colombias-state-council-restores-political-rights-prominent-leftist-politician/

[forest444]

1. Piedad Córdoba isn't safe in Colombia, no matter what the assurances.

As you may know Judi, she had been living in exile in Buenos Aires after being expelled from the Colombian Senate amid all kinds of threats against her.

She returned to Colombia when Macri took office; and sure enough, in April the paramilitaries almost assassinated her there.

In Argentina, she was well liked and respected by the progressive/leftist community, and I know she'd be more than welcome to stay as far as they're concerned. Indeed, the photo above was taken at the International Forum for Emancipation and Equality, held in Buenos Aires' Cervantes Theater in March 2015.

Nevertheless, her courage and love of country must be too compelling for her to leave once again. It's admirable - especially given the risks.

[Judi Lynn]

2. Thanks for the information on Buenos Aires, and her photo, taken there.

I had no idea she was in Argentina.

Agreeing completely with you. Colombia is too dangerous for anyone from the left, especially this lady, who has given so much of her life, and energy already working toward peace. The right wing has despised her so long, just like they despised Jaime Garzon, the beloved political comedian, whom they DID assassinate.

One of her body guards was murdered when the AUC death squad monsters kidnapped her in earlier times. It's a miracle she ever was able to survive that assault.

We have to hope the best. I'm sure you're right, she does love her country, its people, and trying to improve the horrific lives of the massive poor population in that feudal country.