Colombia starts probing war crimes as part of peace deal
BOGOTA — Colombia’s transitional justice system opened its doors Thursday to the public in what officials hailed as a historic step toward healing more than five decades of armed conflict that killed tens and tens of thousands and displaced millions.
Both victims and offenders will now be able to approach the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in a sleek office building in Colombia’s capital where workers are building case files documenting abuses during Latin America’s longest conflict.
Those who fully confess their crimes will not serve any jail time, and instead will make restitution to victims with acts like public apologies and repairing damaged buildings. Those who do not co-operate could see prison sentences of up to 20 years.
“This is a historic day for the victims,” said Patricia Linares, president of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. “It’s the start of a judicial process that will heal wounds left from the armed conflict by recognizing the truth.”