Free Ricardo Palmera! End US Intervention in Colombia!

The US has given almost 5 billion in military aid to Colombia since 2000. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, & Colombia Action Network (CAN) delegations have all documented that our tax dollars are going directly to support military & death squad violence in Colombia.

Recent news reports demonstrate that US corporations like Drummond & Chiquita, as well as the Colombian government, use US supported death squads to attack & kill trade unionists, human rights workers, & campesinos (peasants) who question the US’ free trade agenda or President Uribe’s right-wing policies.

FARC – EP peace negotiator Ricardo Palmera's extradition & trial demonstrate a new chapter in US intervention in Colombia. The Colombia Action Network is against ALL forms of US intervention in Colombia - whether it's capturing & trying peace negotiators or sending weapons, contractors, & soldiers.

The people have already spoken; the previous jury did not find Palmera guilty of the US' trumped up charges despite all the legal wrangling & cheating that Judge Hogan allowed. Hogan was forced to step down.

This new trial unfortunately doesn’t appear to be any more fair than the last. Again, the prosecution is being allowed to maneuver for the outcome they desire. The CAN believes that instead of a new trial, Palmera should be returned to Colombia and the US should end military aid to Colombia. These efforts would support peace & would be steps towards ending the civil war.

The Colombia Action Network supports the calls for demonstrations at Palmera’s trial in DC. We encourage everyone concerned about US intervention in Colombia to participate.

Protest to Free Ricardo Palmera!
Monday, June 18 at 8:30am at the Federal Court Building, 333 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC

Organized by the National Committee to Free Ricardo Palmera & endorsed by the Colombia Action Network

For more information: info@freericardopalmera.org or
www.freericardopalmera.org