Unite demand the release of two Colombian trade unionists

31 October 2007

Unite the Union are calling for two Colombian trade unionists to be released.

Moises Delgado and Eliberto Poveda were arrested on Saturday (27th October) and detained by the Colombian authorities.

Mr. Poveda is the President of the agricultural workers trade union in Sumapaz, SINTRAPAZ.  Mr. Delgado, another leading member of SINTRAPAZ was the Democratic Pole opposition party candidate for the 28th October regional elections.

The detention came the day before the elections, preventing Mr. Delgado from participating in the democratic process.

Mike Griffiths, National Political Officer for Unite (Amicus Section) said:
“The arrests of these two trade unionists seem to be an attempt to inhibit a free democratic election, and an intimidation tactic against legitimate opposition.”

Mike Griffiths, who recently visited Colombia with a delegation of trade unionists, and met both Mr. Delgado and Mr. Poveda added: “UK trade unions will not stand by while the Colombian government continues to intimidate and repress its critics with violence. Unite will continue to campaign for the freedom of Colombia’s political prisoners’.”

Unite Joint General Secretaries Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley will be sending a letter to Colombian Vice-President Francisco Santos demanding the safe release of the two trade unionists