The criminalization of social activists can be seen throughout Colombia. From the “fabrication” of evidence to physical disappearances. This is the case of PCN leader, Felix Banguero, whose arrest is rejected and denounced by social movements. “This is about opening the doors to transnational corporations to takeover natural resources”, said his son.

The actions of criminalization and arrest of social leaders of Colombia, who have been persecuted, accused of being collaborators and serve as links of the armed insurgence, have been analyzed as "false judicial positives".

The idea of “false positive” corresponds to a tactic of paramilitarism in that country where murdered civilians, member of rural communities, are dressed with guerrilla uniforms to make them look as members of the armed insurgence.

This is part of the "sword of honor" of the regular Armed Forces which, based on electronic information and the testimony of questionable witnesses, aim to weaken the structures of support of the Colombian guerrilla.

But the social organizations are questioning these intentions every time the strategic importance of indigenous, peasant and black communities for the international markets is recognized, especially in terms of the extractive industries (megamining, energy projects, hydrocarbon, agrofuels), a key factor of the so called "development locomotives" that serve as a driving force for Juan Manuel Santos’ administration.

The organizations that defend the territories are an obstacle to said “locomotives”.

Over two months after the arrest of thirty people in the North of Cauca, accused of a supposed link with the armed insurgence, it is surprising how State bodies have managed this process: transfers to military garrisons, weak evidence and limited access to information, mainly in the cases of community leaders of Indigenous Councils and Black Community Councils.

With this logic and recognizing the criminalization of social protests, social organizations have struggled to defend their leaders and dignify their processes.

This is the case of PCN and their campaign “We love you and want you free” in support of Felix Banguero, leader of Pilamo Community Council and founder of PCN.

Felix, as many other men and women, has actively participated in Human and Territorial Rights advocacy processes for his community for over 20 years in the North of Cauca.

Real World Radio interviewed Karin Banguero, Felix’s son, about his case and the context. Karin is the leader of the campaign for the release of his father. “This responds to the structural logic of delegitimizing the struggle and actions in defense of rights, it is a political persecution and also a witch hunt", said Karin.

He also made reference to the attacks against social processes, as part of the political-military strategy of “consolidation”, that with military actions and increasing violence aims to give free reins to the foreign capital through transnational corporations".

Interview and photo: Don Palabras for Real World Radio