Dealing with Colombia's death squads
Article Abstract:
There has been an increase in violence in Colombia involving paramilitary death squads from the political right. They demand money from local businesses and landowners for services which include massacres of civilians thought to have sympathy with guerrillas. Drug traffickers, rural landowners and the army set up the first paramilitary groups. They have formed the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) and want talks with the government. They have been seen as a way for landowners to seek to block land reform, though illegal drug money accounts for around 70% of the AUC revenue, since many landowners have become too poor to pay the paramilitaries. The AUC may also seek power through elections.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 2000
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The butchers strike back
Article Abstract:
A paramilitary organization, the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC), has killed around 150 civilians, including children who were part of a church congregation. The AUC is partly motivated by revenge against the guerilla group, FARC. The AUC is led by Carlos Castano and has a force of some 5,000 men. Castano is thought to be trafficking in drugs, according to US drug-fighters.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1999
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Human rights and wrongs: Colombia
Article Abstract:
Much of Colombia's newly oil-rich rural territory is controlled by brutal paramilitary groups, allegedly unofficially approved by the government. Evidence presented by Human Rights Watch-Americas has prompted Pres Ernesto Samper to institute reforms that he had promised in his 1994 campaign.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1996
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