INTERVIEW

David Ravelo greets us from the other side of the bars and we meet in a visiting room a few minutes later. For the last two weeks David Ravelo —economist, human rights defender and member of the <media 6882>Regional Corporation for the Defence of Human Rights (CREDHOS)</media>— has been held at the La Picota Prison in Bogotá. He has already gained the respect and trust of the 130 persons with whom he shares the Special Imprisonment Cellblock and who recently chose him to be a representative on the Human Rights Committee. Despite the confinement, he still has a beaming smile and an immense, contagious positive energy stemming from steadfast belief in his innocence to the charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and aggravated homicide. The charges are based on testimony provided by former paramilitary commander Mario Jaime Mejía, alias El Panadero, who is investigated under Law 975[1] and confessed to being a material author in the massacre of 16 May 1998.

“I am guilty because I speak out”, reflects David Ravelo, reminding us he has frequently spoken out against the so-called “false positives” or extrajudicial executions, murders, displacements and forced disappearances in the region of the Magdalena Medio. He is convinced that his imprisonment is meant to “silence a grassroots leader who won’t be intimidated or co-opted by the establishment”. Before his imprisonment, he had to endure death threats for more than ten years. David Ravelo explains he never considered going into exile since he has dedicated his life to the defence of human rights and the fight against inequality. Even though he is in jail, he continues to work persistently and follow all of the community organising processes in the oil city of Barrancabermeja. Despite his difficult situation, David Ravelo stresses how important it is for him to maintain his sense of dignity, optimism and hope.

Why were you arrested?

David Ravelo: I have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, which serves to disguise the charges of rebellion and aggravated homicide.

What lies behind the imprisonment of a human rights leader with your renown?

DR: It is an attempt to intimidate the human rights and social movement, to consequently destroy the fabric of society and weaken the whole process that supports the victimised population. Imprisoning the victims and putting them at the same level as the victimisers is an attempt to delegitimise the work carried out by the grassroots movement. In my case in particular, it is an attempt to remove me from the public sphere because I am considered a thorn in their side.

How is the case developing?

DR: Without a doubt, this is a highly political case where due process and the right to defence are pushed to the background. There are false witnesses who have been purchased and have seriously contradicted themselves. However, this is apparently not important since the goal is to cause harm. As for me, I have said that I will keep up my morale because —sooner or later— the truth will set me free. Presently, we have filed an appeal against the preventive detention measure. We have not gotten our hopes up since the case is more political than legal. If the law is followed, I am sure I will be freed.

How is it living with the other prisoners?

DR: Co-existence is maintained by respecting differences and harmonious relations among inmates. We have understood that dignity makes us equal.

How do you spend your time?

DR: I spend my time working on my defence and sustaining evidence. I have solidarity visits from social organisations, dignitaries, and international organisations like Peace Brigades International. I also provide the cellblock inmates with ongoing accompaniment in defence of their rights; in other words, fulfilling my role as a representative of the Human Rights Committee.

Do you fear for your safety?

DR: I have always been under threat. Despite the peaceful co-existence in the cellblock, I feel a certain unease. I hope that I am guaranteed the fundamental right to life.

How has imprisonment most impacted you?

DR: The separation from my family, my wife and children, especially my youngest son Juan David.

What strategies have you employed to endure this situation?

DR: I keep busy with activities, reading or writing. Despite the confinement, I continue to research, fight for truth and justice and write about all of this. A smile or an opinion can never be confined. This is why I keep expressing my opinion through these prison bars.

What support have you received?

DR: Support from national and international organisations has been fundamental. This solidarity has kept up my morale. The mobilisation carried out in Barrancabermeja, Bucaramanga and Bogotá has encouraged me not to lose heart.

What actions should be taken by the international community to support your case?

DR: Throughout the world, publicise the persecution and criminalisation faced by human rights defenders in Colombia. Demand full guarantees for the right to defence and for my case to be transferred to the Human Rights Unit. This is an attempt to keep me in jail and removed from human rights work in the Magdalena Medio region. It is also important to request that the United Nations pay special attention to the case.

What message would you like to send to the international community?

DR: In this country, those of us who dare to speak out against grave human rights violations are subjected to the most vicious persecution, including imprisonment and murder. The goal is to impose unanimity. In order to do this, an organised terror structure attempts to keep people from speaking out. If people stop participating and become complacent, the objective will be achieved.