On June 14^th, 2007, intruders broke into the Bogota office of the Christian Center for Justice, Peace, and Non-Violent Action, or “Justapaz.” They stole two computers that contained sensitive information on victims and witnesses of human rights abuses and  those who are actively promoting peace. The Justapaz break-in was at least the sixth in a series of recent political robberies in Colombia. The theft of human rights information represents a new  technique to frighten and silence human rights and peace advocates, and is a grave threat to those named in the documents.

Mary Ann Perrone is a local activist and member of the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice’s Latin American Task Force. She attended a nine-day delegation to Colombia in September organized by Justapaz and Witness for Peace. The delegation traveled throughout Colombia to stand  in solidarity with those affected by the recent crimes and to speak with members of the local community. Mary Anne will recount her experiences there, and  call attention to the urgent need for protection of those who promote critical human rights and peace-building work.

To find out more, call 734-663-1870 or email info@icpj.net