Uribe’s brother called to trial on paramilitary murder charges

[Judi Lynn]

Uribe’s brother called to trial on paramilitary murder charges

written by Adriaan Alsema October 24, 2016



The brother of former President Alvaro Uribe has been called to trial to respond to multiple charges of murder, committed by a paramilitary group he allegedly formed in the 1990s.

Santiago Uribe was arrested in February already after numerous allegations he was one of the founding members of the “12 Apostles” paramilitary group that engaged in so-called “social cleansing,” or the executing of alleged criminals, alleged drug users, as well as alleged guerrilla collaborators.

Accusations Uribe and his group engaged in drug trafficking to finance their activities were not included in the formal charges.

The rancher and brother of the former president has been held in a military compound since then.

More:
http://colombiareports.com/uribes-brother-called-trial-paramilitary-murder-charges/

LBN:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10141605880

[Judi Lynn]

1. Colombia Ex-President's Brother Faces Trial Over Death Squads

Colombia Ex-President's Brother Faces Trial Over Death Squads
Published 24 October 2016 (3 hours 41 minutes ago)


. . .


Santiago Uribe Velez has been accused of creating and bankrolling the paramilitary group known as the 12 Apostles when his brother, Alvaro was a Senator representing the northwestern department of Antioquia. Investigations have implicated the 12 Apostles in at least 164 murders — including FARC rebels, drug users, and criminals — with police complicity.

Witnesses testimonies have described the paramilitary’s activities as a “social cleansing” campaign.

Uribe Velez, an Antioquia rancher, was arrested in February for his death squad ties. A federal prosecutor has now called him to respond to charges that he is the alleged mastermind behind crimes of aggravated homicide and conspiracy through the 12 Apostles.

. . .

Federal prosecutors have investigated the case for more than a decade, according to local media, and several former police officers and paramilitary leaders have implicated Uribe Velez in the group’s formation and development. A key witness, retired police chief Juan Carlos Meneses, testified in 2010 about Uribe Velez’s role in the 12 Apostles in 2010, reviving long-rumored allegations. Among other revelations, Meneses reported that during a visit to Uribe Velez’ farm, the rancher had shown him a hit list of people to be assassinated by his operatives.


http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Colombia-Ex-Presidents-Brother-Faces-Trial-Over-Death-Squads-20161024-0002.html