Truth Behind Bars Colombian Paramilitary Leaders in U.S. Custody

On May 13, 2008, 14 of Colombia¿s largest paramilitary group, ¿Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia¿ (United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia or AUC) were extradited to the U.S. to face drug charges. These paramilitary leaders are implicated in terrorizing and killing thousands of innocent civilians and targeting trade unionists and other members of civil society. This report asserts that despite U.S. stated goals, review of available data indicates that the extraditions of paramilitary leaders have had adverse consequences for U.S. foreign policy by undermining rule of law in Colombia. Contents: Intro.; Background; Impacts of Extraditions on Colombia¿s Accountability Measures (AM); Policy Rationales for U.S. Support of Colombia¿s AM. Illustrations.