Ivan Marquez, designated mediator for the FARC terrorist group, insisted that the special justice system mandated by the group’s recent treaty with the Colombian government must remain in place, asserting that any change to the terms would cause the entire treaty to collapse.
“We say that if the Special Justice for Peace (JEP) is revoked by those who don’t want unity and peace between Colombians, well then we will be practically at the gates of failure” said Marquez when he was interview by Caracol radio.
The FARC leader, one of whom signed on November agreement with the government, was referring to the delay in the approval of a law that legalizes the JEP for former guerrillas, soldiers and some civilians linked to atrocities committed during the conflict.
“It is fundamental to guarantee these legal assurances” expressed Marquez, second in command of the FARC.
Colombia’s civil war against FARC terrorists resulted in a staggering 220,000 deaths over the past five decades with nearly 7 million Colombians driven from their homes. More have been maimed by land minds. During their reign of terror, FARC terrorists massacred and kidnapped many civilians, including Alberto Uribe Sierra, the father of former president Álvaro Uribe.
Still, amnesty for the guerillas was a key component of the accord negotiated by President Santos. The agreement stipulates that FARC members must confess to receive the amnesty and avoid jail time.
Ivan Marquez
Luciano Marín Arango, alias Ivan Marquez, ascended through the ranks of FARC over three decades, spending a majority of his time on the Panamanian-Colombian border in the vast jungle known as the Darien.
Marquez is still wanted in the United States for narcotrafficking offenses including the production, manufacture and distribution of cocaine. He has also been tied to various kidnappings, extortions and assassinations.
