Since 2002, the José Alvear Restrepo Lawyers’ Collective (CCAJAR) has represented the relatives of Jorge Dario Hoyos Franco, a trade union, civic and community leader, and member of the Union Patriotica Movement, who advised on the creation of different trade union organisations, conflict resolution and collective negotiations with many other unions inside Colombia and abroad.

Jorge Dario Hoyos was murdered on 3 March 2001 by members of military intelligence in alliance with Casanare paramilitaries who were also active in Cundinamarca department.

(CCAJAR) has sought truth, justice and reparation for his relatives in a number of different legal cases. The material authors of the crimes, (the paramilitaries Luis Edilmer Rojas Rincon and Giovanny Moncada Cortes and the Fusagasuga policeman Carlos Mora) were found guilty. Also in relation to the case, the Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated investigations into Fredy Francisco Espitia Espinosa, a junior Army officer, and Charry Solano, current adviser to the School of Intelligence and Counter-intelligence, for being the joint culprit of aggravated homicide and of the forced displacement of the Hoyos family. The case has reached trial and awaits decision. According to CCAJAR, “this case yet again demonstrates the existence of links between members of the security forces and paramilitary groups which have claimed the lives of hundreds of dozens of trade union and community leaders all around the country”.[1]

Footnotes:

[1] Verdad Abierta: Jessica, hija del líder sindical Jorge Darío Hoyos, 19 October 2009; Ccajar, Condenan a oficial de la Policía y acusan a militar de inteligencia por asesinato de líder sindical Jorge Darío Hoyos, 31 January 2014; El Espectador, A juicio militar implicado en crimen de líder sindical, 3 February 2015; Ccajar, Condenan a alias “Martín Llanos” y alias “El Patrón” por homicidio de sindicalista Jorge Darío Hoyos, 27 July 2016; Caracol Radio: Víctimas de ‘Martín Llanos’ celebraron condena de 20 años por homicidio, 29 July 2016; RCN Radio, Familiares de víctimas de alias Martín Llanos lo acusan de no decir la verdad, 29 July 2016

*Cover photograph: courtesy of CCAJAR