International
Colombian JEP orders the arrest of Cauca’s governor
December 28 |
Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) on Wednesday morning ordered the arrest of Clara Luz Roldan, governor of Valle del Cauca, in a case regarding the lack of protection for victims.
According to the sentence of the transitional jurisdiction, which emerged after the 2016 agreements, the local policy “puts at risk the guarantee of victims’ rights and the materialization of the Final Peace Agreement.”
In that sense, the JEP points out that Roldán would have incurred in lack of control in the fulfillment of the functions delegated to the Governor’s Office by the JEP to protect areas of forensic interest where victims of enforced disappearance could be found in that department.
Given this, the magistrates considered that “his lack of care puts at risk the guarantee of the rights of the victims and the materialization of the Final Agreement for Peace”, signed in 2016 between the Colombian State and the then FARC-EP.
According to the sentence Roldán will be deprived of her liberty for two days by order of the JEP, although in the interim hearings will be held between the jurisdiction and the Governor’s Office to review compliance with precautionary measures.
The Governor’s Office of Valle, as well as those of other departments, had committed with the JEP to advance actions for “the protection of the rights to truth and guarantees of satisfaction for the victims of forced disappearance”.
The particular case in which Roldán will be deprived of her liberty for two days by order of the JEP is about hearings between the jurisdiction and the Governor’s Office to review compliance with precautionary measures. The Governor’s Office of Valle, as well as those of other departments, had committed with the JEP to advance actions for “the protection of the rights to truth and guarantees of satisfaction for the victims of forced disappearance”.
The judicial proceeding was to take measures in 36 cemeteries in Valle del Cauca since there could be bodies of the so-called “false positives” or other victims of the armed conflict in Colombia.
The so-called “false positives” were extrajudicial executions of civilians by members of the Colombian Army who were then presented as guerrillas killed in combat in order to receive rewards or benefits.
According to the JEP, at least 6,402 innocent young people were deceived with promises of false jobs and executed by members of the Army to improve anti-guerrilla statistics and receive rewards in return.
International
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
Parades, baton twirlers, and a mix of Salvadoran and international music set the tone for the 20th edition of the Festival Salvadoreñísimo, held in Houston, Texas, with Tony Villatoro once again leading the organization.
This year, the highly anticipated event moved to a new venue: The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, within the “space city.” Despite the scorching sun of the open-air setting, spirits remained high, and a brief drizzle later brought relief and renewed energy to the celebration.
More than 5,000 Salvadorans gathered at the park, joining with Guatemalans, Hondurans, and even Mexicans to commemorate 204 years of independence for El Salvador and Central America. The festival was marked by a family-friendly atmosphere, where traditional foods such as pupusas, panes con gallina, pastelitos, and horchata could not be missed.
“Twenty years with this festival, and I am very grateful to the Salvadoran community that always shows up. Thanks to them, the sponsors, and to Diario El Salvador for supporting us since the beginning,” said Tony Villatoro, as more compatriots continued arriving to the celebration.
“I am satisfied. I didn’t expect this level of attendance, especially since we were trying a new outdoor venue with some challenges, but we made it through successfully,” Villatoro added.
The Festival Salvadoreñísimo, now a two-decade-long tradition, once again took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when independence festivities run from mid-September through October.
International
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the National Reintegration Plan for Returned Salvadorans 2025-2029, a strategy designed to create greater opportunities, ensure access to quality services, and provide a favorable environment for Salvadorans returning to their home country to rebuild their lives.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Network on Migration, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Migration Unit.
During the presentation, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal emphasized that migrants often face multiple challenges upon returning to their communities.
“That is why we are implementing actions that generate real and sustainable opportunities for these individuals,” she stated.
International
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
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