Press Statement
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
May 7, 2008
Colombia: Extradition of Carlos Mario JiménezCarlos Mario Jiménez was extradited to the United States this morning on charges of drug trafficking. Jiménez was a senior commander in the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), a paramilitary organization that demobilized during 2006-7. The AUC remains on the list of foreign terrorist organizations and is responsible for gross violations of human rights and narcotrafficking.
We commend the Government of Colombia’s action to extradite Jiménez, who is the first senior paramilitary commander to be extradited. Jiménez was removed from the Justice and Peace Process due to his continued criminal activity. His extradition demonstrates the strong and positive relationship that the United States and Colombia enjoy.
The United States and Colombia share the concerns of the victims of paramilitary crimes for discovering the truth and seeking justice and reparations. Legal processes exist to ensure that extradited Colombians can continue to provide information into Colombia’s Peace and Justice Process. Victims of crimes may also pursue civil remedies against perpetrators in the United States.
2008/360
Released on May 7, 2008
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