ELN Leaders Sentenced to 20 Years for Forced Recruitment of Minors
- A specialized judge in Antioquia has sentenced 11 leaders of the National Liberation Army (ELN) to prison for the forced recruitment of more than 60 minors between 2004...
- The convictions target high-ranking officials including Nicolás Rodríguez Bautista, known as GabinoEliécer Herlindo Chamorro Acosta, known as Antonio García; Israel Ramírez Pineda, known as Pablo Beltrán; and Gustavo...
- Evidence presented by a prosecutor from the Specialized Directorate against Human Rights Violations detailed a system of coercion involving physical violence, threats, and false promises to lure minors...
A specialized judge in Antioquia has sentenced 11 leaders of the National Liberation Army (ELN) to prison for the forced recruitment of more than 60 minors between 2004 and 2018. Four top commanders from the ELN’s Central Command (COCE) received the highest penalties of 20 years and four months for aggravated rebellion and illicit recruitment, according to the Fiscalía General de la Nación.
The convictions target high-ranking officials including Nicolás Rodríguez Bautista, known as GabinoEliécer Herlindo Chamorro Acosta, known as Antonio García; Israel Ramírez Pineda, known as Pablo Beltrán; and Gustavo Aníbal Giraldo Quinchía, known as Pablito. These individuals were found responsible for orchestrating the recruitment of children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 from indigenous, Afro-Colombian, and peasant communities across five departments: Antioquia, Bolívar, Chocó, Risaralda, and Valle del Cauca.
Forced Labor and Human Rights Abuses in ELN Ranks
Evidence presented by a prosecutor from the Specialized Directorate against Human Rights Violations detailed a system of coercion involving physical violence, threats, and false promises to lure minors into the guerrilla organization. Once recruited, the children were forced into roles that varied by age and perceived utility, ranging from domestic chores to active combat.
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According to the investigation, some recruits were tasked with preparing food, patrolling, standing guard, and carrying heavy loads of firewood. Others were trained as radio operators, participated in direct combat, collected extortion payments, or installed explosive devices. The Fiscalía reported that three of the recruited minors died while serving in the ranks of the ELN.
The court also reviewed evidence of severe gender-based violence. The Fiscalía stated that some girls were subjected to abuse by ELN leaders and were forced to undergo abortions and use contraceptive methods.
Prison Sentences for Regional Front Commanders
While the COCE leaders received the longest terms, the judge also sentenced commanders from the Western War Front and the Darío de Jesús Castro War Front. These sentences vary based on the level of responsibility established during the trial.
- Western War Front: Emilcen Oviedo Sierra, known as
MarthaorLa Abuela, was sentenced to 14 years and two months. Miguel Enrique Hernández Padilla, known asJairo, received 12 years and eight months, while Levis Dairon Polo Regino (Cholo) and Isaac Tuberquia Arias (Bernardo) were sentenced to 11 years and 10 months. - Darío de Jesús Castro War Front: Sunilda del Carmen Hoyos Gil (
Yeimi), Carlos Alfonso Agudelo Gómez (Nelson), and William Alexander Zapata Mora (Patacón) each received sentences of 11 years and eight months.
Legal Status and Interpol Coordination
The 11 convicted individuals were not present during the legal proceedings. Consequently, the first-instance ruling ordered the issuance of arrest warrants to ensure the penalties are served. The court intends to coordinate with Interpol to execute these warrants and make the prison sentences effective once the final convictions are established.
The legal process is not yet finalized.