It occurred during the Truth Recognition Hearing held this week in the municipality of Granada.
During the Truth Recognition Hearing held this week in the municipality of Grenadein eastern Antioquia, the retired officer Juan Carlos Piza Gaviriawho held one of the highest positions in the Fourth Brigade of the National Army in Antioquia, provided unpublished details about his participation in the execution of multiple murders and events related to forced disappearancesfacts that were later presented as “false positives”.
His testimony was key to understanding that he contributed to consolidating this de facto policy based on the “body count”a practice that, according to what he said, was oriented and supported by the highest command of the Brigade between the years 2004 and 2007.
“I am responsible and I assume this responsibility: I promoted at all times the de facto policy of counting the dead; a policy promoted and established by the commanders of the Brigade. In 2004 and 2005, by the General Gonzalez; in 2005 and part of 2006, for the General Pico Hernandez; and in 2006 and 2007, for the General Rodríguez Clavijo”, he noted during his statement.
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The retired officer added that this guideline was not isolated or exclusive to some commanders, but rather covered the entire military structure.
“This policy was issued by the Army command for each of the commanders at all levels and soldiers. It was not for one, it was for all,” he stated, calling it “a politics of evilto do evil.”
According to the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP)Gaviria is so far the highest-ranking officer to accept responsibility within the Antioquia Subcase of Case 03which seeks to clarify facts and extrajudicial executions committed between 2002 and 2007 in the region. During those years he held strategic positions within the IV Brigade.
Regarding this, the JEP explained that the lieutenant colonel commanded the ‘Juan del Corral’ Mechanized Group between December 1, 2003 and October 24, 2005. Then, between December 2005 and June 2008, he joined the Brigade Staff as operations officer (B3), second commander, chief of the General Staff and, for about three months, commander in charge.
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In this way, the revelations made at the hearing are added to those of other appearing parties who have acknowledged their participation in the criminal system of the so-called ‘false positives’and represent a significant step in the clarification of one of the most painful episodes of the armed conflict in Antioquia.
Source: Integrated Information System
