Urgent from Cristin McCauley: Colombia 3

(See her October 2002 Letter to Narco News for background information.)

Although The Colombia Three have been acquitted (Narco News reported there was no hard evidence against them 18 months ago), and even though they have been deported (on the lesser charge of possessing forged passports), they still can't get out of jail!

That's Colombian "justice" for ya.

Read more... Three Innocent Men still in Jail because Colombian Government refuses to provide adequate security

Below is a Statement from Caitriona Ruane of the Bring Them Home Campaign

(See Contact Addresses below)

"Three innocent men are still in jail because the Colombian Government have refused a request for adequate security for the three men and the two representatives of the Bring Them Home Campaign

"This simple request for security for 5 Irish citizens was made by the men's defence lawyers, the Bring Them Home Campaign and by the Irish Government. The request included a safe house, and armed protection for the five people until Judge Jairo Acosta rules on a petition by the lawyers to permit the men to leave the country

"The Colombian Government has rejected the request - the Colombian government has created this problem by prejudicial comments. They are the ones who have put all our lives in danger and now they are refusing to take the necessary steps.

"One day we have the Vice president on television saying that he supports the decision of the judge, the next we have the Minister for Defence, and senior members of the police ridiculing it. The Colombian Government need to reign in their military and police. Who is in charge here, the Executive or the security agencies?

"We are very concerned for their safety in the Jail, they are currently being held in La Modelo, one of the most dangerous jails in the world. They are surrounded by right wing paramilitaries. I have written an urgent letter to Brian Cowen urging them to make formal representation to the Colombian Government at the highest level to send these men home now.

"We are calling on the Human rights organisations, NGO's and individuals interested in human rights to contact the nearest Colombian Embassy or consulate near them."

Email a personalised letter directly to the Colombian President Alvaro Uribe at rdh@presidencia.gov.co

In England, Scotland & Wales Contact:

Alfonso Lopez Caballero
Colombian Embassy
3 Hans Crescent London SWIX OLN
Tel. 0207 589 9177 / 589 5037  (Human Rights Officer's extension is 112)
Fax  0207 581 1829 / 589 4718

website: Colombian Embassy in London

email: mail@colombianembassy.co.uk

In the US, contact:

Ambassador Luis Alberto Moreno, The Embassy of Colombia, 2118 Leroy
Place NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
Phone: 202 387-8338
Fax: 202 232-8643

E-mail: emwas@colombiaemb.org

There are Consulates in the following cities: Atlanta, New York, Houston, Washington DC, and Los Angeles. These can also be accessed through: this website

Contact Colombian embassies and consulates throughout the world.

These can be found listed here, then click on "Essential List" then on "Worldwide Embassies"