Please act now to stem paramilitary threats to the Colombian peace community

Our friend and fellow LEPOCO member, Joe DeRaymond made two visits to the peace community at San Jose de Apartado as part of the Fellowship of Reconciliation program through which volunteers from the U.S. live with members of the community in order to provide nonviolent protedton for the commuinity. In spite of his presence and that of other volunteers, paramilitary groups have continued to carry out threats, attacks and murders against community members.

Joe DeRaymond is currently recovering from the surgical removal of a malignant brain tumor. Our prayers are with him and with his friends in San Jose de Apartado.

We implore government officials in both the U.S. and Colombia to exert the strongest possible efforts to restrain and punish those responsible for these attacks.

I am concerned that paramilitary threats to the community of San Jose de Apartado are not being addressed by the Columian government or United States diplomatic members to Columbia.

This brave community has for years struggled to maintain its independents from all military bodies. They have suffered numerous assassination but continue to pursue a policy of non-violence. They deserve our support and protection.