The Commissioner for Peace, Otty Patiño, spoke out in response to the wave of criticism against him for stating that the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) should come to an end.
He reaffirmed that it should be gradually closed as it is a transitional justice system and that there are many forms of justice in the country, even though it still has about 12 years left of operation.
“I have not said that it should be eliminated; it needs to be gradually closed. It is a transitional justice system, and I believe it can fulfill a mission here. The understanding about that issue is a bit exaggerated,” he said, arguing that “there are too many forms of justice” in statements to W Radio.
Patiño also emphasized in his argument for the closure of the JEP the alleged discontent of several peace signatories, who claim that the Jurisdiction has exceeded its initial functions.
“In the case of Macrocaso 01, they (the peace signatories, NDR) believe that the responsibility for kidnappings was assumed by the leadership of the FARC’s General Staff, and the JEP has been lowering the responsibility to other levels,” he indicated.
Additionally: They warn that Otty Patiño’s proposal to close the JEP would disregard the Constitution
Judge Roberto Vidal, president of the JEP, explained today that in the case of the kidnappings carried out by the now-defunct FARC, it has been the victims themselves who have demanded a thorough examination of the matter, so that the tribunal has sought responses from mid-level commanders as required by the persons or relatives who suffered that crime.
It is important to remember that these statements from the Commissioner for Peace regarding the insinuation of closing this Jurisdiction have been met with rejection from various sectors.
Judge Vidal expressed concern on Thursday regarding Patiño’s remarks, pointing out that the JEP represents an essential pillar in building peace in Colombia, as it has the responsibility to investigate, judge, and sanction war crimes committed during the armed conflict.
“We are surprised by the Commissioner for Peace’s statements, as the Jurisdiction, at the start of Gustavo Petro’s government, made a public demonstration of support for efforts towards total peace,” Vidal stated.
Additionally: Rodrigo Londoño and 73 other former combatants of the FARC called by the JEP to answer for crimes that cannot be pardoned
In his intervention yesterday, the President of the JEP also warned about disinvestment and denounced that the Government reassigned the budget allocated to the Colombia Peace Fund.
“That is more the responsibility of the Minister of Finance,” Patiño responded to that questioning.