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Colombia to revise human rights record of 11 generals, but set to promote controversial army chief
by Stephen Gill May 22, 2019
Colombia’s Defense Ministry is set to review the promotions of 11 generals in the national army who have been accused of war crimes, revealed Caracol Radio on Wednesday.
The action comes as the ministry and the army itself comes under increasing pressure following revelations in a New York Times article that soldiers are being encouraged to up their kill-counts, which in turn may compromise civilian life in the process.
Ironically, Colombia’s Congress appears to be pressing ahead with the promotion of National Army chief Major General Nicacio Martinez, who is linked to 23 homicides and has become the center of controversy.
According to the New York Times, Martinez ordered his troops to double the number of combat kills and captures, promised rewards for killed enemy combatants and lowered the standard on when soldiers may engage in combat.
The article sent shock waves through Colombia with many fearing a return of the mass killing of civilians that marred the presidency of Alvaro Uribe following similar incentives.
More:
https://colombiareports.com/colombia-to-revise-human-rights-record-of-11-generals-but-set-to-promote-controversial-army-chief/
