Campaign "Freedom for Colombian unionist Liliana Obando", Update 1

Campaign "Freedom for Colombian unionist Liliana Obando", Update 1

Peace and Justice for Colombia
Monday 18 August 2008

Peace and Justice for Colombia (PJFC), thanks everyone for the
numerous letters sent to the Colombian government protesting against
the arrest and detention of Colombian trade unionist Liliana Obando.
We also thank you for supporting the campaign to free her by signing
the online statement.

It has been now one week since Liliana Obando was arrested in her home
in front of her distraught mother and her two young children by a
special wing of the Anti-Terrorism Unit of the Colombian National
Police and the Criminal Investigation Directorate (DIJIN).

PJFC is in contact with Liliana's legal team and her family and spoke
yesterday with her 13 years old son who is emotionally affected by the
detention of his mother and upset about all the lies the Colombian
media are spreading about her. The police also confiscated his
computer that he uses for his studies. We reassured him we are aware
that all the accusations are based on lies and for that reason in
Australia there are people who have mobilised to demand the government
free her.

As a matter of clarification, PJFC has become aware of disturbing
information (rumours) that Fensuagro stated that Liliana was not part
of Fensuagro. PJFC obtained a copy of the true statement that was
issued by Fensuagro in which they acknowledged that Liliana is a
recognized sociologist of the National University and a Human rights
defender who worked for their Federation as a Coordinator of Human
Rights Projects and who they regarded as an honest person, responsible
and very hard working; as well she participated in several
international events with the endorsement of the federation.

As PJFC asserted in its statement of 13 August, the accusations and
charges against Liliana Obando are based on lies and the Colombian
government is again using the media to not only discredit unionists,
but to mislead the national and international community.

As our unionist brothers and sisters in Canada have stated "Liliana
was one of Fensuagro's most important contacts with social movements,
religious institutions, human rights groups, academics, and unions
outside Colombia" and this is the only reason she is being targeted by
the regime. "In silencing her activities, the state hopes to squash
the rise in awareness of the violations being committed against trade
unionism, peace and community activists, the poor and workers in
Colombia and to discourage trade unions around the world from
supporting the struggle for peace and social justice and from
expressing their solidarity with their Colombian people".

PJFC expresses its solidarity with Fensuagro against this new campaign
of intimidation and harassment. We urge trade unions, social and
political organisations and peace loving people in Australia to keep
demanding that the Colombian government release Liliana Obando and
that the persecution, kidnapping and assassination against members and
affiliates of Fensuagro must be stopped.

PJFC also condemns the murder of Manuel Gamboa, Vice-President of the
Peasants Association for the Defence of the Putumayo (ASCAP), a
Fensuagro's affiliated union.