247.
In light of the above considerations, the Commission concludes that the delay in the
investigation of the case and the lack of an independent, and impartial investigation to date, about the
circumstances in which young man Elio Gelves was taken from his home and killed are not reasonable and its
a result of the omissions committed by the authorities in violation of Article 8(1) of the Convention.
3.
The rights to a fair trial and judicial protection of the next of kin of Mr. Carlos Arturo
Uva
a.
Facts about the proceedings
i)
The investigation and the proceedings in the military jurisdiction
248.
When Lieutenant Portilla learned that soldier Burgos had taken the life of Mr. Carlos Uva, he
called the Commander of the counter-guerrilla Erick Rodríguez Aparicio, to whom he was introduced to by
Rodríguez Burgos.342 Both lieutenants informed about the death or Mr. Uva Velandia to the 120 Military
Criminal Investigation Court, who opened the criminal investigation on June 23, 1992.343
249.
At 4 am on June 21, 1992, the corpse was collected. As stated in the report from said
proceeding, the body had a naked chest, blue jeans and no shoes. It was “in supine position, arms separated
from the body in less than 80 degrees, inferior limbs bent in angle and together, head to the south.” It was
noted that he had wounds, all of them as a result of a sharp weapon: 5 of 1 centimeter on the right ribs; 1 on
the right shoulder; 1 in the thorax; 1 in the sternum and marks of ties in his two wrists.344 The same day an
autopsy was performed by the Health Service of Casanare.345
250.
On August 11, 1992, after practicing a series of proceedings, the Court ordered the
preventive detention of Mr. Rodríguez Burgos.346 By decision of February 10, 1993, the Command of the
Calvary Group No. 7 “Guías del Casanare,” acting as Criminal military court (of first instance) decided to send
the process to the Peace prosecution unit of Paz de Ariporo, due to a lack of jurisdiction. The judge considered
that when soldier Burgos “killed civilian Arturo Uva, he was not performing acts of the military service.”347
251.
Prosecutors Office 18 took knowledge of the investigation and on March 2, 1993 decided the
appeal lodged by Mr. Rodríguez Burgos for parole, which was granted prior bond.348 On August 4, 1993 the
Prosecutors Office 18 appointed a defender to assist soldier Alexis Rodríguez.349 The defender took office
September 1, 1993.350 On October 19, 1993, Prosecutors Office 18 criminally accused Juan Alexis Rodríguez
Burgos for his responsibility as the author of murder against Carlos Arturo Uva Velandia and revoked its
probation.351
342 Annex. 104. Statement from Lieutenant Portilla Castro Alfonso at 25th Military Criminal Investigation Court, February 18,
1993, Annex 1.
1992.
343 Annex.
105. Military Armed Forces of Colombia, 127 Military Criminal Investigation Court, Intedrlocutory Order if June 23,
344 Annex.
47. Collection of the corpse proceedings, June 21, 1992. Annex 1.
345 Annex.
71. Casanare Health Service, Autopsy, June 21, 1992. Annex 1.
346 Annex.
106. 120º Military Criminal Investigation Court, Decision of August 11, 1992, that orders preventive detention.
Annex. 107. Command of the Cavalry Group No. 7 “Guías del Casanare”, First Instance Judgment, Decision of February 10,
1993. Annex 1
347
348
Annex. 108. Prosecutors Office 18, Decisision of March 2, 1993. Annex 1.
349
Annex. 109. Prosecutors Office 18, Designation of defense attorney, Mr. Juan Alexis Rodríguez, November 4, 1993. Annex 1.
350
Annex. 110. Defense attorney takes office, September 1, 1993, Annex 1.
351
Annex. 111. Prosecutors Office 18, investigation proceeding review, October 19, 1993. Annex 1.