Colombia's JEP exonerates over 1,000 from criminal prosecution

Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) has granted criminal prosecution exonerations to 1,030 individuals involved in serious crimes during the country's armed conflict. These individuals are not considered the primary leaders or maximum responsible parties for the crimes.

Magistrate Mauricio García, president of the JEP’s Legal Situation Definition Chamber, stated that 979 of the beneficiaries—approximately 95% of the total—are members of the public forces, including the Police and Army. Other beneficiaries include 46 former FARC combatants, two state agents not part of the public forces, two former guerrilla collaborators, and one civilian.

The exonerations are tied to 377 specific incidents that resulted in 643 direct victims. While the measure resolves the legal status of these individuals, it is not a free benefit. It is strictly conditioned upon fulfilling obligations related to truth, reparation, and non-repetition for the victims. Beneficiaries must continue to comply with JEP requirements and must request permission to leave the country.