I learned recently about a certain Colombian law that is quite disturbing. I've met a few people who have been in prison or are being charged with what is called ''rebellion.'' Basically, as I understand it, it means speaking about or advocating a change in the current system of government. So, if you believe that Uribe is a chump and you say that we need to change to a socialist system, even if you advocate change by nonviolent means, you can be charged with rebellion. This law is being used more and more these days. The government used to (and still does to a lesser extent) use paramilitaries to threaten or kill people organizing for social justice. Today they are also prosecuting these people and putting them in prison for years and years or tying them up in legal battles.
This law seems to me to be highly undemocratic and to be against freedom of speech in the most basic way. What strikes me is that the US government often speaks of Colombia as a model democracy, yet it is the only country with this law in the americas.
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