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FARC: “To free injured prisoners is a humanitarian act“
“There is a list of 81 prisoners of the FARC-EP in poor health conditions, of which 11 are of utmost care; these prisoners must regain their freedom“. Communique of the Secretariat of the Central High Command FARC-EP
 

The FARC-EP has carried out 18 unilateral acts as measures of de-escalation of the armed conflict, made with the firm conviction that it is necessary to provide humanitarian guarantees that lead to the definitive end of the conflict.

The fact that prisons have extreme levels of overcrowding, lack of minimum conditions in health, education and food is a situation which is widely known by the country. This prevents prisoners from living a decent life and it leads to a cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of imprisoned combatants and a lot of civilians who are unfairly accused of belonging to the FARC-EP. One of the main causes of this problem lies in the repeated and systematic practice of not providing health care to gravely and terminally ill prisoners; situation which requires a prompt improvement of their conditions and their freedom.

The shortcomings of all sorts forced the inmates in 16 prisons around the country to develop an indefinite hunger strike.

There is a list of 81 prisoners of the FARC-EP in poor health conditions, of which 11 are of utmost care; these prisoners must regain their freedom, considering that their situation is incompatible with the precarious conditions in prisons. Their right to life and physical integrity are at serious risk.

The National Government should consider their release through the current existing legal mechanisms and thereby allow these practices against our combatants to stop.

We expect a gesture of humanity, goodwill and hope for the sick prisoners and their families; and we call for national and international solidarity, demanding their release.

Secretariat of the Central High Command FARC-EP

November 14, 2015.