Predators of Press Freedom: Colombia - "Black Eagles"
| Publisher | Reporters Without Borders |
| Publication Date | 3 May 2011 |
| Cite as | Reporters Without Borders, Predators of Press Freedom: Colombia - "Black Eagles", 3 May 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4dc2b53228.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
"Black Eagles", Paramilitary group, Colombia
The extreme right-wing militias called the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC), which were created to help the army fight the extreme left-wing guerrillas, are far from being disarmed. According to official figures, a major programme for dismantling the AUC from 2003 to 2006 resulted in the demobilisation of 30,000 of its fighters in exchange for a broad amnesty. Most of them have turned to contract killing and drug trafficking, but between 5,000 and 8,000 reportedly regrouped in about 20 bands that resumed paramilitary activities in 12 departments.
The most feared of these armed groups, the "Black Eagles," continues to impose a reign of terror, killing journalists or forcing them to censor themselves or flee the country. This armed group has been responsible for many cases of intimidation and violence against the press in the Caribbean coastal region since late 2006. The danger it poses has since extended throughout the country and its targets include journalists who criticize the so-called "democratic security" policies launched by President Alvaro Uribe (2002-2010) and still in force.
