International observers conclude their observation of the ‘12 apostles’ case

On 10 February 2021, the Special Court for Serious Crimes in Medellín, Colombia, concluded final hearings in the case of Santiago Uribe Velez, who is accused of 512 serious crimes, including war crimes, in what is commonly known to as the case of the ’12 apostles.’

Colombian Caravana has observed all seven final hearings: the first five of which took place in Medellin in the Special Court for Serious Crimes, in December 2018, April, May 2019, and November 2019, and January 2020; and the last two of which were held remotely in January and February 2021.

Colombian Caravana observed the trial with the full cooperation of the court and thanks all the parties in the proceedings for having met with the international observers, in particular we note thanks to the presiding judge Jaime Herrera Nino, for agreeing to meet with the observers throughout the course of last two final hearings and for facilitating the remote observation.

Once the verdict is delivered, Colombian Caravana will publish a report, which will contain the observers’ observations together with a set of recommendations, in line with international standards of trial observation.