EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: AMR 23/26/95

Distr: UA/SC

UA 140/95Death threats / Fear for Safety16 June 1995

COLOMBIAJesús Antonio GONZÁLEZ LUNA, trade unionist

Gloria Marina GONZÁLEZ JARAMILLO (f), civic and human rights activist, married to Jesús Antonio González

Daladier GONZÁLEZ JARAMILLO, their son

and other members of the González Jaramillo family

There is serious concern for the safety of members of the González Jaramillo family who have been subjected to a series of death threats and attacks in the city of Cali, Valle del Cauca department, where they live. Daladier González Jaramillo has survived two gun attacks and has also reportedly been tortured by the security forces.

The most recent incidents began on 18 March 1995, when armed men who identified themselves as members of the Servicio de investigaciones judiciales e inteligencia, (SIJIN), Judicial Investigation and Intelligence Service, burst into Jesus Antonio González' house and detained his son Daladier González, accusing him of theft. Daladier González was taken to Cali police station where he was reportedly beaten in the face and legs. He was later released.

On 27 March, members of the neighbourhood sent letters to the local attorney's office (Fiscalía) expressing their support for the González Jaramillo family, and vouching for Daladier González. Two days later Jesús Antonio González received telephoned death threats in which he was told that securing the release of his son would be the last thing he would do. During the first two weeks of June, Jesús Antonio González and his family have received further death threats in which they have been informed that this time they would not escape.

Jesús Antonio González is Vice-president of the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT), United Confederation of Workers and a well-known civic leader. Gloria Marina Jaramillo is also a civic leader and is president of the Junta Administradora Local de la Comuna No.20, Local Administration Council of Commune No.20 and is a member of the local human rights committee.

Jesús Antonio González and his family were also subjected to death threats and acts of intimidation during 1994. In May, members of the Third Division of the Army reportedly occupied their house. The family house was once again occupied on 4 July by armed men who identified themselves as members of the SIJIN. They entered the house, reportedly without a judicial order, and insulted and threatened members of the family.

On 25 December several armed men opened fire on Jesús Antonio González' house. Daladier González was severely injured in the attack. Reportedly one of his attackers was believed to be a member of the security forces. Daladier González survived a second attempt on his life on 22 April 1995 when four men opened fire on him. Daladier González is currently in a poor state of health and has been forced to leave the city.

The family have denounced these events to the Colombian authorities.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In recent years widespread and systematic human rights violations have occurred in Colombia, including extrajudicial executions, "disappearance", torture and arbitrary arrest. President Ernesto Samper Pizano has repeatedly pledged his government's commitment to protect human rights and to tackle impunity. However, members of the Colombian armed and security forces continue to commit serious abuses with virtual impunity. Trade unionist, popular leaders, civic activists and human rights workers are amongst those frequently the target of human rights violations by the security forces and their paramilitary allies. Only exceptionally are perpetrators brought to justice; the vast majority of members of the armed forces responsible for gross human rights violations remain in active service.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/telexes/faxes/express/airmail letters in Spanish or your own language:

- expressing concern for the safety of Jesús Antonio Gonzalez Luna and his family;

- urging that full and impartial investigations are undertaken into death threats against the González Jaramillo family and attempts on the life of Daladier González Jaramillo, that the results be made public and those responsible be brought to justice;

- urging that full and impartial investigations are undertaken into reports that Daladier González was tortured by members of the SIJIN following his arrest on 18 March 1995, that the results be made public and those responsible be brought to justice;

- urging that all possible measures, deemed appropriate by the González Jaramillo family, be undertaken to protect the lives of Jesús Antonio Gonzalez Luna, Gloria Marina González Jaramillo, Daladier González Jaramillo and other members of their family.

APPEALS TO

1) President of Colombia:

Señor Presidente Ernesto Samper Pizano

Presidente de la República

Palacio de Nariño

Santafé de Bogotá, Colombia

Telegrams: President Samper Pizano, Bogotá, Colombia

Telexes: 44281 PALP CO

Faxes: + 57 1 286 7434

Salutation:Excelentísimo Sr. Presidente/Dear President Samper

2) Procurator General:

Dr. Orlando Vásquez Velásquez

Procurador General de la Nación

Procuraduría General

Edificio Banco Ganadero

Carrera 5, No. 15-80

Santafé de Bogotá, Colombia

Telegrams: Procurador General Vasquez, Bogotá, Colombia

Faxes:+ 57 1 342 9723 (there may be taped office sounds, then engaged signal, then fax tone) / 281 7531 / 284 0472

Salutation:Sr. Procurador de la Nación/Dear Dr. Vásquez

3)Minister of the Interior

Dr. Horacio Serpa Uribe

Ministro de Gobierno

Ministerio de Gobierno

Carrera 8a, No.8-09, Piso 7

Santafé de Bogotá, COLOMBIA

Telegrams: Ministro de Gobierno Serpa, Bogota, Colombia

Telexes:45406 MINGO CO

Faxes:+ 57 1 286 8025 / 286 0053 / 286 0485

Salutation:Sr. Ministro/Dear Minister

4) Attorney-General

Dr. Alfonso Valdivieso Sarmiento

Fiscal General de la Nación

Fiscalia General de la Nación

Apartado Aéreo 29855

Santafé de Bogotá

Colombia

Telegrams:Fiscal General Valdivieso, Fiscalia General, Bogotá, Colombia

Faxes:+ 57 1 211 6676 or 288 2828 (there may be taped voice, then short delay before fax tone)

Salutation: Estimado Dr.Valdivieso/Dear Dr. Valdivieso

COPIES OF YOUR APPEALS TO:

Comisión Intercongresional de Justicia y Paz

A.A. 31861

Santafé de Bogotá

Colombia

and to diplomatic representatives of Colombia accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 1 August 1995.