FARC former secretariat members accept JEP sanctions

Members of the final secretariat of the former FARC guerrilla group have formally accepted sanctions imposed by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP). The rulings follow findings of responsibility for more than 21,000 kidnappings committed during the country's armed conflict.

After reviewing appeals, the JEP adjusted the sentences to reflect individual levels of responsibility. Rodrigo Londoño, Jaime Alberto Parra, Milton de Jesús Toncel, and Pablo Catatumbo received eight-year sanctions. Pastor Alape was sentenced to seven years, Julián Gallo to six, and Rodrigo Granda to five.

In a joint statement, the former combatants expressed their willingness to comply with the sanctions, viewing them as an opportunity to advance the restorative purposes of the peace system and repair damages to victims and affected territories. However, they noted they are awaiting responses to clarification requests submitted by both the participants and the victims. The group also called for the maintenance of guarantees for the reincorporation of over 13,000 former combatants.