In a groundbreaking initiative in Colombia, three ex-army soldiers are helping forensic teams excavate mass graves linked to war crimes committed during the guerrilla conflict. This collaboration allows former perpetrators to assist in uncovering the truth about atrocities, as part of a deal with Colombia's war crimes tribunal that permits reduced sentences for confession and cooperation. One ex-soldier, who shared his harrowing involvement in the killings of innocent civilians, emphasized the importance of acknowledging these crimes. This effort marks a significant step in Colombia's reconciliation process and in addressing past injustices against victims.
These were atrocities that never should have happened," said one of the soldiers during a mid-day break in the exhumations at a cemetery in the central Colombian city of Neiva. The soldier, a former lieutenant colonel, admitted that during the mid-2000s soldiers under his command shot dead 63 civilians and reported them as guerrillas killed in action.
Accused former combatants who refuse to cooperate face up to 20 years behind bars. But those who confess and make reparations can avoid prison.
I think the message is very important because it's the first time in Colombia that the criminals are looking for the victims in the cemeteries," said Judge Al.
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