Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Detained

An order for the detention of former president, álvaro Uribe, by the Colombian Supreme Court was secured by human rights lawyer Reynaldo Villalba on the 4th August 2020. Villalba’s case rests on allegations of witness tampering and fraud relating to crimes committed during Colombia’s civil war.

Villalba manages penal and national litigation for The José Alvear Restrepo Lawyers' Collective (CCAJAR), a Colombian non-governmental human rights organisation, which contributes to the fight against impunity and the construction of a just and equitable society. Villalba has been a member of CCAJAR for 27 years. His work consists primarily of criminal defence and the representation of victims of serious human rights violations. He has been vilified by the authorities and characterised as a defender of terrorism and an auxiliary of guerrilla forces.

British lawyers are fortunate enough to be able to return home from the courtroom with peace of mind. Those in Colombia are not so lucky, and some never return. The high profile nature of the cases the CCAJAR takes on has exposed the organisation to sustained attacks, threats and intimidation, with its lawyers reportedly subject to profiling and surveillance from parts of the Colombian National Army. Villalba has acknowledged the serious risks associated with his work:

“Managing a case of this kind generates a huge potential for risk and danger and we are extremely aware of that.”

CCAJAR has been supported by PBI since 1995, to ensure the safety and physical security of its lawyers. This is achieved through a field presence of international observers backed by a sophisticated emergency network of diplomats, politicians, academics, members of the legal profession and governments. The strategy ensures that CCAJAR lawyers are able to carry out their work independently without fear of intimidation. PBI continues to accompany Villalba, CCAJAR and countless human rights defenders fighting for the rule of law all over the world. They represent a fundamental building block for justice and accountability.

“It not only gives us the chance to go to areas where we could hardly ever go without this support, but it also gives us confidence to carry on with our work. And it gives more confidence to our families as well, who feel more secure when we are accompanied.” - Reynaldo Villalba, 2011

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