Justice for Colombia condemns recent threats and stigmatisations towards trade unionist, academic and peace activist Francisco ‘Pacho’ Toloza Fuentes, as well as other National University (UNAL) academics Mery Constanza García and Carlos Satizabal and a number of students.
The threats originate from WhatsApp groups that claim to represent sectors of the university community. Those making the accusations remain anonymous but they have sought to link the people targeted to illegal armed groups. This not only serves to delegitimise their political activities at the university, but also puts them in danger given Colombia’s long history of stigmatisation and violence against social activists.
Mr Toloza ia a peace activist of many years, as has been recognised by many Colombian and international figures, including the former High Commissioner for Peace. Mr Toloza has visited Britain in support of peace and social justice, and he has also met with British and Irish politicians and trade unionists during JFC delegations to Colombia.
JFC calls for an end to all attempts to intimidate, threaten or silence members of the university community who are exercising their democratic rights. We urge the relevant authorities to investigate the sources of these threats and take action to ensure those targeted can carry out their activities free from persecution.