US sanctions former Colombian general for 'gross violations of human rights'

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US on Friday announced sanctions against former Colombian General Mario Montoya Uribe, citing his alleged involvement in gross human rights violations during the country's internal armed conflict.

"There is credible evidence that during his tenure, Montoya Uribe was involved in extrajudicial killings of civilians, which were falsely reported as combat deaths during Colombia’s internal armed conflict.  As a result of this action, Montoya Uribe and his immediate family members are generally ineligible for entry into the United States," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

Noting the US support for the implementation of peace accord since its signing in 2016, Blinken said the US will continue efforts to support a durable and lasting peace in Colombia that recognizes the needs of victims and survivors. 

"We also commend the Special Jurisdiction for Peace’s work to end impunity for conflict-related crimes and respond to victims and survivors at all stages of the transitional justice process," he added.

Montoya Uribe, who led Colombia’s army during a pivotal period of its decades-long armed conflict, has faced allegations of commanding units implicated in the so-called "false positives" scandal. In this scheme, civilians were allegedly killed and presented as guerrilla fighters.