Date: 24 July 2008
Mr. Velez Restrepo was a journalist in Colombia when he documented on film the assault on peasants following a protest of military coca crop destruction. He was attacked and beaten by military members the day of the event which was also captured on film. Following these events, his footage was broadcast widely and he began to experience death threats and attempted kidnappings from members of the military. His wife and children were also subject to such threats. His family was relocated as part of a witness protection program and given a bullet proof vest. Judicial, military and administrative remedies were pursued but were subject to delays and little resolution. Despite such measures, he still experienced threats and intimidation and sought asylum in the United States. His family arrived a year later. The Commission held that despite the presence of remedies, the petitioner was exempt given the ineffectiveness of the measures—noting the inappropriateness of both administrative and military remedies given the severity of the violations. The Commission held the case to be admissible for consideration.
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