Colombian ex-paramilitary leader jailed for crimes against Indigenous groups

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Guardian Staff and agenciesJanuary 20, 2026 at 01:12 PM

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A Colombian court sentenced former paramilitary leader Salvatore Mancuso to 40 years in prison for 117 crimes against Indigenous communities in La Guajira between 2002 and 2006, including homicides, forced disappearances, and displacement. Mancuso, a commander in the United Self Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), was repatriated to Colombia in 2024 after serving a US prison sentence for drug trafficking. The AUC, a right-wing paramilitary group, was responsible for numerous atrocities during Colombia's decades-long conflict. Mancuso's sentence could be reduced to eight years if he collaborates with truth and reparation efforts. He was also named a "peace facilitator" by Colombia's president.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Italy 35% Gulf Clan 40% Gustavo Petro 40% FARC 50% United States ×360% La Guajira ×270% United Self Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) ×275% Salvatore Mancuso ×790% Colombia ×690%

Keywords

forced disappearances 90% colombia conflict 90% peace negotiations 90% homicides 80% human rights abuses 80% paramilitary violence 80% paramilitary groups 70% indigenous rights 70% truth and reparation 60% colombian government 60%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

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Source

The Guardian - World News

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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forced disappearances colombia conflict peace negotiations homicides human rights abuses paramilitary violence paramilitary groups indigenous rights truth and reparation colombian government

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