VIDEO
HIGHLIGHT
Log InSign up
"EL BAILE ROJO: Memoria de los Silenciados"
SummaryTranscriptChat

"EL BAILE ROJO: Memoria de los Silenciados"

Tragedy and Resilience: The Story of Victims in Colombia

Personal Accounts of Loss

  • A widow reflects on the pain of losing her husband and brothers-in-law, emphasizing the deep sorrow that accompanies their memory as victims of violence.
  • The narrative highlights the plight of families in Colombia who have sought exile to escape extermination, underscoring the reality that threats often materialize into violent actions.

Legal Actions for Justice

  • In September 2001, a meeting initiated by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights brought together victims' families and Colombian state representatives to address the extermination of the Unión Patriótica political party.
  • The demand against the Colombian state is framed as a commitment to ensure such national tragedies do not recur, linking it to covert operations like Plan Baile Rojo.

Political Context and Historical Background

  • The systematic targeting of Unión Patriótica members is described as an exceptional case within democratic institutions, contrasting with typical dictatorial practices aimed at silencing opposition.
  • Founded in 1985 during peace talks between the government and FARC guerrillas, Unión Patriótica aimed to create a pluralistic political movement amidst ongoing conflict.

Aspirations for Peaceful Politics

  • The establishment of Unión Patriótica was seen as a hopeful step towards ending internal conflict through negotiation rather than violence.
  • Leaders from various sectors joined this political movement seeking representation beyond traditional parties, driven by discontent with existing political structures.

Early Challenges Faced by Unión Patriótica

  • Despite initial enthusiasm for dialogue with government leaders, early events saw violence against supporters shortly after its launch in June 1985.
  • Two campesinos who hosted FARC delegates were murdered soon after supporting Unión Patriótica's formation, illustrating immediate repercussions faced by those involved in peace efforts.

Personal Reflections on Violence and Disappearance

  • A personal account reveals memories tied to familial loss; Miguel Ángel's disappearance left lasting emotional scars on his family.

The Impact of Political Violence in Colombia

Systematic Torture and Fear

  • The speaker reflects on the pervasive fear instilled by a system of permanent torture, where individuals are afraid to confront the truth about their circumstances.
  • This fear is described as a method used by those who disappear people, aiming to control and manipulate society.

Political Representation and Violence

  • A discussion on the political structure reveals that opposition groups are elected through popular vote, including congress members and local officials.
  • Following elections, there is a shocking wave of assassinations targeting newly elected officials from the Unión Patriótica party, highlighting systemic violence against political opponents.

Denouncing State-Sponsored Violence

  • The Unión Patriótica raises awareness nationally and internationally about a plan (Plan Baile Ro) aimed at eliminating its members post-election.
  • The assassination of political figures disrupts negotiations between guerrilla groups and the government, leading to increased violence against leftist activists.

Personal Accounts of Loss

  • As violence escalates, many leaders within the Unión Patriótica are killed or forced into hiding, leaving behind a devastated community.
  • The speaker shares personal memories of Jaime, an influential figure in their community who was targeted due to his activism for social justice.

Legacy of Fear and Resistance

  • Jaime's commitment to creating opportunities for marginalized communities made him a target; he faced numerous death threats throughout his life.
  • Despite knowing the risks involved in his activism, Jaime remained optimistic about achieving peace in Colombia. His legacy continues to inspire resistance against oppression.

Tragic Events Leading to Death

  • A recounting of Jaime's tragic death illustrates how deeply entrenched violence affects families; it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by political activists.

The Silence of the State and the Church During Genocide

Lack of Protection for Victims

  • The Colombian state failed to protect victims during a process of extermination, with no official statements made regarding the violence.
  • The Catholic Church and many national leaders also remained silent during this massacre, raising questions about their complicity or negligence.

Impact on Society

  • This genocide is characterized as a crime against humanity, affecting not only individuals but also the ethical consciousness of Colombian society.
  • Personal testimony reveals deep personal loss; the speaker lost four family members due to violence linked to political affiliations.

Personal Accounts of Violence

Specific Incidents

  • A violent attack in Piñalito involved approximately 25 assailants who killed 14 people at a local establishment around 1 AM.
  • The speaker recounts personal trauma, including torture and witnessing the murder of family members by military forces.

Government Recognition

  • The government acknowledged one murder victim's death (Nelson), providing compensation, indicating some level of recognition for state-sponsored violence.

Political Repression and Assassination

Escalating Violence Against Leaders

  • A narrative unfolds about an individual who was elected mayor but faced threats from authorities leading to his assassination while traveling with bodyguards.
  • The speaker’s husband was also murdered by military forces, highlighting systemic violence against political figures.

Ongoing Disappearances

  • Another son went missing under suspicious circumstances related to mobile checkpoints set up by security forces.

Political Aspirations and Tragedy

Hope for Change

  • Antonio Quiro was seen as a hopeful figure within the Union Patriotic movement, which aimed to transform Colombia politically.

Consequences of Violence

  • José Francisco Ramírez Torres' assassination marked a significant blow to political aspirations, instilling fear among community members and leading to collective panic.

Responses to Oppression

Shift Towards Armed Resistance

  • Faced with ongoing violence and lack of legal recourse, some individuals felt compelled to join armed insurgency movements as a response to oppression.

Losses Within Movements

  • Ricardo Palmera's decision to join insurgency reflects broader disillusionment with peaceful political processes; his potential contributions were lost due to escalating conflict.

Threatening Messages

Intimidation Tactics

Clara Bueno's Journey: From Threats to Asylum

Facing Death Threats and Seeking Refuge

  • Clara Bueno recounts her experience of receiving death threats from communist groups, emphasizing the severity and reality of these threats as she began working as a university professor in Bogotá.
  • She learned that such threats were not mere intimidation tactics but serious warnings, leading her to contact friends in Sweden for guidance on seeking political asylum.
  • After being granted asylum in Ecuador by the Unión Patriótica, Clara faced further violence when her son was tortured and disappeared, highlighting the ongoing dangers she encountered.

Loss and Political Activism

  • Clara shares the tragic loss of three children and her husband due to political violence, illustrating the personal toll of Colombia's armed conflict on families involved in activism.
  • She reflects on meeting José Ignacio Reyes, a political leader who supported her family during their struggles; his assassination marked another significant loss for Clara.

The Struggle for Political Change

  • Clara describes an incident where she sought answers about her husband's murder from local authorities, only to receive vague responses attributing it to ideological conflicts within the internal armed struggle.
  • Despite witnessing numerous assassinations within the Unión Patriótica, Clara emphasizes that many remained committed to fighting for political space amidst extreme intolerance in Colombia.

Hope Amidst Violence

  • The hope for change persisted among activists as they rallied support for Bernardo’s presidential campaign, which united various political factions seeking reform in Colombia.
  • Clara expresses confidence that many Colombians believe dialogue between government and insurgents is essential for resolving armed conflict and achieving reconciliation.

Community Initiatives and Government Failures

  • Reflecting on Bernardo's commitment to social equity, she notes his efforts to help underprivileged students through community initiatives like founding a popular restaurant.
  • However, she critiques governmental peace initiatives as flawed if military operations against paramilitary groups continue unabated.

A Call for Genuine Dialogue

  • Clara highlights Bernardo’s prominence as a passionate parliamentarian advocating democracy while warning against repeating past mistakes with movements like Unión Patriótica facing violent repression.
  • She stresses that both state actors and insurgent groups must take concrete steps towards fostering an environment conducive to genuine dialogue rather than relying solely on calls for peace without action.

Tragic Events Surrounding Political Assassinations

The Assassination of Bernardo Jaramillo

  • The narrative begins with the assassination of Luis Carlos Galán, a presidential candidate, and the subsequent violent political climate that led to the deaths of three candidates, including Bernardo Jaramillo.
  • A personal account describes the moment shots were fired at the airport; initially perceived as a robbery, it quickly escalated into chaos as Jaramillo was injured.
  • In his final moments, Jaramillo expressed despair over his condition and fear for his life, highlighting the emotional weight of such violence on individuals and families.

Personal Loss and Grief

  • The speaker reflects on their deep sorrow following Jaramillo's death at just 34 years old, emphasizing his youthful spirit and love for music amidst political turmoil.
  • There is a poignant desire for a peaceful life filled with family joy and economic stability in Colombia, contrasting sharply with the harsh realities faced by many due to violence.

Religious Prohibition and Public Mourning

  • Following Jaramillo's assassination, an archbishop prohibited any mass in his honor due to political affiliations, adding another layer of grief for those mourning him.
  • The funeral process was marked by significant public pain; two ceremonies were held—one symbolic in Bogotá and another in Manizales—reflecting widespread community loss.

Accountability for Violence

  • Government claims attributed responsibility for Jaramillo’s murder to Pablo Escobar; however, there were legal consequences for others involved like Carlos Castaño.
  • Discussion shifts to personal history; the speaker recounts their father's dedication to social justice through housing advocacy despite limited understanding of broader political movements.

Family Tragedy Amidst Conflict

  • A harrowing account details a night when gunfire erupted at home leading to multiple family members being killed; this illustrates the brutal reality faced by many during Colombia's conflict.
  • The aftermath revealed shocking scenes where victims were found unarmed in their pajamas—a stark contrast to official narratives suggesting they were armed combatants.

Legal Struggles and Continued Violence

  • Despite seeking justice through legal channels after losing family members, compensation received from the government was minimal compared to their losses.

Aida Abella's Experience with Violence and Exile

The Attack on Aida Abella

  • Aida Abella reflects on the fear of being targeted, likening it to a death sentence as she was aware of the order in which individuals were attacked.
  • On May 7, 1996, while heading to a council meeting, Abella experienced a violent attack where her security detail identified an imminent threat from a suspicious vehicle.
  • During the attack, gunfire erupted; her bodyguard reported they were shot at with heavy weaponry including a bazooka.
  • Following the explosion, there was chaos as they realized they were under fire from multiple assailants using revolvers and other firearms.
  • Abella expressed her distress over the situation and highlighted that such attacks are not conducted by individuals but rather organized groups.

Threats and Decisions

  • She described receiving numerous threats due to her political affiliation with the Unión Patriótica (UP), indicating that opposition comes at a high cost.
  • After several attempts on her life, she considered exile as a necessary option for survival despite feeling committed to working for Colombia.

Pursuit of Justice

  • In light of ongoing violence against UP members, efforts were made to seek international justice through organizations like the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
  • The commission acknowledged allegations against the Colombian state regarding its responsibility for violence against UP members and initiated investigations into these claims.

Challenges in Seeking Accountability

  • Despite presenting evidence of systemic violence against UP members, there have been no significant advancements in holding perpetrators accountable or detaining suspects.
  • The commission proposed amicable solutions between petitioners and the Colombian government to address grievances related to human rights violations.

Honoring Victims' Memory

  • Abella emphasized that changing political culture is challenging due to ongoing persecution of survivors; she advocates for honoring victims’ memories and ensuring their stories are told.
  • She noted an alarming increase in documented cases of violence against UP members since initial reports began, highlighting ongoing struggles for justice.

Call for Awareness and Justice

  • Aida called for greater public awareness about historical injustices faced by UP members so future generations can understand their sacrifices in pursuit of legal avenues for change.

Tragedy and Responsibility in Colombia

The Pain of Colombian Tragedy

  • The speaker expresses deep sorrow for the ongoing tragedy in Colombia, highlighting personal connections to family, friends, and compatriots affected by violence.
  • There is a profound sense of loss felt for every death, regardless of political affiliation or side in the conflict, emphasizing shared humanity.

Understanding the Roots of Violence

  • The speaker criticizes the role of hitmen (sicarios), who are unaware of the harm they inflict on their own people, contributing to a cycle of violence.
  • A strong assertion is made that the true culprits behind this tragedy are the ruling class, with no exceptions noted; accountability is called for among leaders.

Lessons from History

  • Drawing parallels to World War II and the Holocaust, the speaker advocates for learning from history to prevent similar atrocities in Colombia.
Video description

"EL BAILE ROJO: Memoria de los Silenciados", documental, realizado por Yesid Campos, pone en evidencia a lo largo de 55 minutos: "uno de los más cruentos y atroces episodios de la intolerancia y de la deshumanización del conflicto y la guerra en Colombia: el exterminio sistemático y planificado desde 1984 hasta el presente, de alrededor de 3.000 miembros y simpatizantes de la organización política legal de oposición Unión Patriótica". El exterminio de la Unión Patriótica fue una política deliberada del Estado colombiano. Es así que, en agosto de 1986, se pone en marcha un Plan denominado "Baile Rojo", el cual buscaba asesinar a la mayoría de los miembros de la UP que habían sido elegidos en cargos de representación popular. Bajo el fuego de la cobardía política cayeron en todo el país líderes vinculados al poder público local y nacional en representación de la UP: Alcaldes, Diputados, Representantes, Senadores, y en menos de tres años fueron asesinados dos candidatos a la Presidencia de la República, Jaime Pardo Leal el 11 de octubre de 1987, y Bernardo Jaramillo Ossa el 12 de marzo de 1990. La impunidad generada por el Estado con los crímenes cometidos contra los miembros y simpatizantes de la UP, llevaron a que en diciembre de 1993 los sobrevivientes, a través de La Corporación Reiniciar y La Comisión Colombiana de Juristas, demandaran ante la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (CIDH) al Estado colombiano por el genocidio cometido contra la UP. En el año 2001 la CIDH conviene entre el Gobierno Nacional y los Demandantes la búsqueda de una Solución Amistosa. Cinco años después, los Demandantes, ante el incumplimiento de lo pactado por el Estado, deciden romper con esta etapa del procedimiento ante la CIDH y continuar con la demanda. Tras catorce años de arduas investigaciones y recopilaciones de casos, que aún no terminan, La Corporación Reiniciar ha logrado identificar y documentar más de 5 mil victimas de violaciones de Derechos Humanos, entre las que se cuentan más de 3 mil homicidios, torturas, desapariciones forzadas y atentados personales. Ante la importancia de hacer visible el genocidio y sensibilizar a la ciudadanía sobre la VERDAD de esta tragedia que han vivido las víctimas y familiares de la victimas de la UP, los invitamos a todos y todas a sintonizarse con este documental sobre el "Baile Rojo", donde los: "rostros y voces de padres, esposas, hijos e hijas, que con dolor pero sin odios, ni sentimientos de venganza, hacen un llamado por el respeto a la vida, a la tolerancia, a la verdad, la justicia, la reparación integral, y en consecuencia a la reconciliación de los colombianos".