Criminals accused of carding peasants to control their movements and votes
Now the FARC dissidents commanded by 'Calarcá' are carding peasants in departments like Guaviare, Meta, and Caquetá, controlling their movements, whether they pay extortion, and even whom they vote for.
TL;DR
- FARC dissidents, led by 'Calarcá', are reportedly issuing identification cards to peasants in Guaviare, Meta, and Caquetá.
- This 'carding' is alleged to be a form of extortion and control over peasant movements and voting.
- A controversial audio recording surfaced, allegedly featuring a FARC dissident pressuring members to ensure a specific candidate wins.
- Conflicting versions exist regarding the origin and authenticity of the audio recording, with the Ministry of Justice initially identifying the speaker as a prison inmate, while others claim it originated from FARC commanders in Huila.
- Military officials have confirmed evidence of 'carding' activities aimed at controlling rural citizens.
- Electoral pressure and criminal coercion related to this practice have reportedly been ongoing for months.
- Politicians like Paloma Valencia and Claudia López have previously warned about armed groups pressuring voters to support certain presidential candidates.
- Specific accusations have been made linking the ELN, the Jaime Patiño column of the FARC, and Mordisco structures to demands for votes for Iván Cepeda in areas of Cauca.
- Iván Cepeda has supported the Ministry of Defense's version of the audio's origin and dismissed claims of electoral manipulation by armed groups.
- Some politicians have yet to provide concrete proof to authorities regarding their accusations of electoral interference.