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Former Colombian Paramilitary Leader Arrested

VOA News

   AformerparamilitaryleaderinColombia is in custody in theSouth American
   countryTuesday, a dayafterbeing deportedfrom United States, where he
   serveda 16-year sentence for drug trafficking.

   A spokesmanfor Colombia'sMinistry ofJustice said74 year-oldHernán
   Giraldofaces chargesrelated to massacres,murder,kidnapping,rapesand
   drug trafficking.

   Giraldo, who was known as"theboss"for hisheavy-handedleadership,is
   wanted underdozens of warrantsfor crimes committed under his command by
   the Tayrona Bloc of the Self-Defense Units of
   Colombia,afar-rightmilitiathatoperatedin northern Colombia.

   Giraldowassentencedto 40years in Colombiaafter confessingtohundreds of
   crimes affecting more than10,000victimswhile in custody in the United
   States.

   Giraldo's sentence was reduced because he helped the governmentunder a
   program to prosecute paramilitary groups.

   Giraldo's lawyers are seeking leniency from Colombiafor his time served
   in the UnitedStatesand hisearlier cooperation with the government.

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