Death Threats against a Jesuit in Colombia

Since April 22, 2010 in various places in Bogota, Colombia graffiti have appeared against the Jesuit priest and investigator of CINEP/PPP (The Center of Investigation and Community Education – Program for Peace), Father Javier Giraldo.

The graffiti express death threats against Father Giraldo because he has denounced crimes and assassinations committed by the Colombian National Army, the paramilitaries and guerrilla groups since July 1996 in the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó. Moreover, he has organized and signed petitions to denounce countless criminal actions by armed groups, the majority of which have gone unpunished.

Because of this, CINEP/PPP, as well as the the Jesuits of Colombia, demand that the National Government of Colombia conduct an investigation to find those responsables for these threats and clearly define the methods of protection that will be offered to those affected. Without this assistance from the Colombian Government there is no guarantee that the defenders of human rights will be able to continue their work in safety.