Extradition from Colombia

A Colombian paramilitary leader wanted in the United States to face drug and money laundering charges might not be extradited any time soon.^[1] The Colombian Supreme Court has approved the extradition request for Diego Fernando Murillo, who is also known as Don Berna, but Colombian President Alvaro Uribe is hesitant to sign the extradition order.^[2] President Uribe wants to weigh the implications on Colombia’s efforts to disband its many paramilitary militias, whose leaders strongly resist being sent to the US to face criminal charges.^[3]

The demobilization campaign has been harshly criticized because the Colombian government is offering reduced prison sentences and other benefits to paramilitary leaders if they turn in their weapons.^[4] Likewise, extradition refusals have become something of an incentive. President Uribe is threatening to sign an extradition order on another paramilitary leader, Salvatore Mancuso, if that man does not cooperate with the peace program.^[5] Similarly, President Uribe’s spokesman has announced that Mr. Murillo’s extradition will be “suspended as long as the peace process continues and he respects and fulfills the rules.”^[6]

We have previously discussed extradition matters concerning Colombia here.

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[1] Hugh Bronstein, Colombian Court OKs Extradition of Militia Chief, Reuters.com, Sept. 7, 2005, available here.
[2] Id.
[3] Id.
[4] Id.
[5] Id.
[6] Juan Pablo Toro, Rebels Attacks (sic) Colombian Power Pylons, Guardian, Sept. 8, 2005, available here.