UN urges Colombian gov't to protect judge issued landmark ruling

[Judi Lynn]

UN urges Colombian gov't to protect judge issued landmark ruling
11:12, June 13, 2010

United Nations human rights commissioner in Colombia Saturday called on the government to protect a judge who issued a "landmark" ruling that stirred up nationwide controversy.

Judge Maria Stella Jara on Wednesday sentenced retired colonel Alfonso Plazas to 30 years in prison for the disappearance of 11 civilians in 1985 when he led government troops to retake the supreme court from guerrillas of the Movimiento 19 de Abril (M-19).

The sentence, seen as a landmark by human rights groups, generated controversy in the country. Leaders of the armed forces said Plazas should not be held responsible for the incident. But families of the victims and the judges supported the verdict.

"We urge the Government of Colombia to abide by and respect the ruling. We are also concerned about the safety of judge Maria Stella Jara, we hope we can strengthen and take measures to continue to ensure his safety," said Christian Salazar, the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia.

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