OAS rights body asks Colombia to protect magistrate

[Judi Lynn]

OAS rights body asks Colombia to protect magistrate
Tuesday, 21 September 2010 14:22 Teresa Welsh

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) asked Colombia to protect the life of Supreme Court Magistrate Yesid Ramirez, who has received death threats.

IACHR requested the government take precautionary measures to ensure Ramirez's safety, and to provide the organization with a report detailing these measures within fifteen days. The OAS body requested continuing reports so that it can decide if an extension or increase in safety measures is required.

Ramirez ordered the investigation of former President Uribe's son for allegedly bribing congressmen to ensure his father's re-election in 2006. Uribe criticized Ramirez for calling the investigation against Tomas Uribe.

Ramirez, former president of the court, was wiretapped by Colombian intelligence organization DAS since 2007.

The magistrate ends his term on the Colombian court September 30, when he completes the eight years in office allowed by the Colombian constitution.

http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/11968-colombia-inter-american-commission-human-rights.html