Campaigners thank IMPACT for “tireless support”

Colombian trade union leader Huber Ballesteros has been freed, following pressure from unions and other activists, after having been held on trumped-up charges for 40 months. His release comes in the wake of a historic peace deal between the Colombian government and the FARC rebel group.

Late last November IMPACT deputy general secretary Kevin Callinan was part of an ICTU delegation in Colombia – the most dangerous place in the world for trade unionists – to meet human rights campaigners. While there, Kevin met with Ballesteros.

The famous opposition figure was languishing in a jail cell despite not having been convicted of any crime. Ballesteros was denied access to the basic medical equipment he needs to manage his diabetes. Despite these horrendous conditions, Kevin observed at the time that his spirit remained undimmed.

On his return Kevin and ICTU president Brian Campfield wrote to the Belfast Telegraph reflecting on the trip to Colombia and on the emergence of a fragile peace there. In the letter, they called on the Colombian government to “release political prisoners” as a demonstration of its faith in the peace process.

Read their letter here. 

This month, Ballesteros was freed in accordance with the amnesty laws that form part of the peace deal. Following the release, the campaign group Justice for Colombia sent a personal letter of thanks to Kevin Callinan for his solidarity with Huber and his “tireless support” for the campaign to have Ballesteros released.

Read the full letter here.

Justice for Colombia says the peace process continues to face many threats, and that five activists have been killed so far this year.