ISLP has organized for an expert criminal lawyer to attend the trial of murdered trade unionist, Jorge Darío Hoyos Morales, as an independent observer. Mr Morales was assassinated in March 2001, allegedly by members of the Colombian military who are now standing trial for the crime.
Over the past 25 years, thousands of trade unionists have been murdered in Colombia, with human rights advocates and lawyers facing ever-increasing threats to their safety and security. In particular, ISLP-UK received reports of intimidation and harassment of Yessika Hoyos Morales, Mr Morales’ daughter, which have intensified in the lead up to her testimony at her father’s trial. Ms Morales is a human rights lawyer who also leads the trade union work of the José Alvear Restrepo Lawyers’ Collective (CCAJAR), a Bertha Justice Initiative partner organization.
In alignment with ISLP’s commitment to supporting the proper investigation of the harassment of human rights defenders and the protection of lawyers and others in that role, as well as the upholding of international fair trial standards, ISLP’s volunteer lawyer will also meet with relevant public authorities and civil society actors to raise concerns for the safety and security of Ms. Hoyos and others.