FACTBOX-Key facts about Colombia's political scandal
Source: Reuters
Feb 19 (Reuters) - Colombia's foreign minister resigned on Monday, just days after her senator brother was arrested on suspicion he conspired with illegal right-wing paramilitaries in a growing scandal. Following are details about the scandal: BACKGROUND Colombia's paramilitary groups were formed in the 1980s by wealthy landowners seeking protection from kidnapping and extortion by Marxist guerrillas who took up arms in the 1960s. Under the umbrella name, the United Self-Defense of Colombia, or AUC, the paramilitaries carried out some of the worst atrocities of Colombia's conflict. Since 2003, more than 31,000 paramilitaries have given up their guns and promised full confessions in exchange for short jail terms under a peace deal with President Alvaro Uribe. U.S. officials say paramilitary leaders are drug traffickers and rights groups worry they have kept criminal networks alive. THE SCANDAL The paramilitaries have long been accused of working in league with some politicians and military commanders. But the political scandal broke late last year when officials captured the laptop of a close advisor of one top militia commander. The computer contained information showing how the collusion worked, including names, details on murders and financial arrangements. Eight lawmakers allied with Uribe have been arrested on suspicion they helped form, finance or support illegal armed groups and benefited from paramilitary influence and intimidation. Another congressman is on the run. One active army colonel has been relieved of his command while investigators probe whether he colluded with paramilitaries. Uribe, who has received millions in U.S. military aid, brushes off suggestions that he also has paramilitary links. WHAT COMES NEXT? More than a dozen lawmakers, governors and mayors signed a document supporting the paramilitaries in 2001 and are facing questions. As part of their peace deal with Uribe, paramilitary leaders have also begun testifying about their crimes and links to the political establishment. Experts say those testimonies could fuel the scandal as more names become public. The scandal has come under scrutiny from leading Democrats in the U.S. Congress. Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, chairman of the subcommittee for foreign assistance programs, is among those raising concerns about the impact of the scandal and talks on the U.S.-Colombian free trade pact. Democrats could seek more guarantees on human rights from the Uribe government before approving the trade deal or a White House proposal for $3.9 billion in new aid for Colombia.
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