BBC News Online: World: Americas

Colombia put on war footing

The Colombian army is modernising and re-equipping

Colombia's President Andres Pastrana has signed a controversial new law giving the military sweeping powers, despite international opposition and army's abysmal human rights record.

The legislation gives the military new powers of detention and the right to set up martial law in specific places, giving them authority over civilian officials.

Many fear it will herald a new chapter in human rights abuses by the military, which has proven links to right-wing death squads and often turns a blind eye or even aids paramilitaries in their massacres of guerrilla sympathisers.

Abuses

Rights groups say that no military force should have the judicial powers the bill grants, especially when not officially at war.

Amnesty International released a statement saying "there is serious concern that these provisions could facilitate torture or other forms of human rights violations of those captured during counter-insurgency operations".

Powerful voices in the US, which is supporting the Colombian military to the tune of over $1bn, have also been raised in protest.

Hands tied

But the Colombian army insists the legislation is necessary and that until now it has been fighting the civil conflict with one hand tied behind its back.

Human rights groups just hope the other hand will play fair now it has been unleashed.