Colombian president denies seeking ‘revenge’ against peace tribunal

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has firmly denied any intention to seek "revenge" against the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), the peace tribunal established under a peace deal with the FARC rebels in 2016. This stance comes in response to a pro-government senator's bill aimed at reducing the JEP's state budget by approximately US$31 million, a proposal backed by the president.

The president has previously emphasized his commitment to using force against rebels and has contended that the court has been too lenient towards them.

De la Espriella stated on social media platform X, "I do not have a policy of revenge against the JEP. I have a duty to bring order to spending, demand results, and allocate the State's limited resources to a justice system that serves everyone, not to a tribunal that a segment of the country perceives...as a system of benefits." The president further explained that the proposed budget cuts would redirect funds from the JEP to the conventional justice system.

The JEP, which began issuing verdicts last year, implements alternative sentences, such as community service and travel restrictions, for crimes committed during Colombia's prolonged civil conflict, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. For instance, senior FARC leaders received sentences of eight years of community service and movement restrictions after perpetrating over 21,000 kidnappings.

Twelve retired military officers, responsible for the disappearance and extrajudicial execution of civilians, faced similar sentences.