The office of Colombia’s Prosecutor General announced that all companies who financed paramilitary death squads in Colombia’s banana-growing regions will face charges for crimes against humanity.
The charges will be brought before the transitional justice system that seeks justice for the 8 million victims of Colombia’s 52-year war, the majority of whom fell victim to paramilitary groups financed and supported by politicians and businesses.
The prosecution decision to include the prosecution of private companies under the provisions of the peace accord between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP) and the State is unprecedented and may, according to many analysts contribute to much-needed systemic changes which are a precondition for a socially just peace.
About 200 companies will be facing charges for financing death squads. Among them are the Colombian subsidiary of Chiquita, as well as other multinationals including Dole and Del Monte.
The companies will among others face charges for sponsoring the notorious “Bananero-Block” and the ultra-right-wing AUC. The Bananero Block was led by “HH,” Raul Hasbun and Carlos Castaño who would become the leader of paramilitary umbrella organization AUC.
