69. With regard to the intelligence activities of the DAS against CCAJAR, which are detailed in a separate
section below, the Colombian prosecution service determined that smear tactics were used through the media,
pamphlets, flyers, posters, complaints, and hoaxes; “a strategy of sabotage by means of incendiary, explosive
terrorism, the blocking of public and technology services, and pressure by means of threats and blackmail.”73
In turn, it said that the DAS devised a "plan to infiltrate the lawyers' collective using personnel such as
bodyguards and drivers of those whose personal information is being recorded.”74
70. From May 2006 to February 2007 CCAJAR received a large number of threatening emails presumed to
have been sent by paramilitary groups.75 One of those emails, dated May 8, 2006, said:
Dear members of the Alvear Restrepo Collective, This is an invitation for you to join our
crusade against terrorism lest each and every one of your members sufferers the full weight
of our presence; we have the support of the same Armed Forces of the State that have always
backed us in a great display of sovereignty.”76
71. Another of the emails said, “as for those two-bit lawyers at the collective and other NGOs and exguerillas of the Polo party who say that they are going to sue the president, be warned that you will pay for
such boldness in blood.”77
72. In February 2015, CCAJAR members also noticed that their telephones were being tapped.78 They said
that there were communication problems, such as crossed calls or messages on their apps.79
73. On March 9, 2015, CCAJAR received a pamphlet signed by the Águilas Negras, Bloque Sur [South Bloc],
which said: “[C]ommunist guerrillas, we know where you are, how you operate and where you operate; your
days are numbered, your blood will fertilize the soil of the Fatherland. It is time you paid for deceiving the
people with your lies and cheap philosophy, you murderers.”80 The message was also sent to the children and
partners of those who appeared on the list. The Commission has no further information about the pamphlet's
distribution.
C.
Threats and harassment against CCAJAR members
74. In the course of the proceeding, the petitioners have provided information about several incidents
relating to threats and harassment against 17 CCAJAR members. Below, the Commission summarizes those
allegations in relation to each individual.
1.
Rafael Barrios Mendivil
75. Rafael Barrios Mendivil was one of the founding members of CCAJAR.81 In December 2013 he was a
member of the assembly of partners of the Collective.82
73 Prosecution Unit Delegated to the
Supreme Court of Justice, Case 12490-7, Indictment against Jorge Noguera Cotes, July 11, 2012. Annex
97 to the petitioners’ brief containing observations on merits, December 20, 2013.
74 Prosecution Unit Delegated to the Supreme Court of Justice, Case 12490-7, Indictment against Jorge Noguera Cotes, July 11, 2012. Annex
97 to the petitioners’ brief containing observations on merits, December 20, 2013.
75 Threatening emails received by CCAJAR and some of its members. Annex 56 to the petitioners’ brief containing observations on merits,
December 20, 2013.
76 Communiqué “Colombia libre por siempre de la izquierda” [Colombia, forever free of the left], May 8, 2006. Annex 57 to the petitioners’
brief containing observations on merits, December 20, 2013.
77 Threatening emails received by CCAJAR and some of its members. Annex 56 to the petitioners’ brief containing observations on merits,
December 20, 2013.
78 Letter to Juan Manuel Santos, February 23, 2015. Annex 1 to the petitioners' communication of March 18, 2015.
79 Letter to Juan Manuel Santos, February 23, 2015. Annex 1 to the petitioners' communication of March 18, 2015.
80 Pamphlet of March 2015. Annex 3 to the petitioners' communication of March 18, 2015.
81 Petitioners’ brief containing observations on merits, December 20, 2013.
82 Petitioners’ brief containing observations on merits, December 20, 2013.
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