Colombia orders arrest of ex-general in disappearance of 12 people in 1985

Published Friday October 10th, 2008

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BOGOTA, Colombia - Prosecutors have ordered the arrest of a second retired general in the disappearance of 12 people during the Colombian army's bloody 1985 retaking of the Palace of Justice from leftist rebels.

The general, Jesus Armando Arias, led Bogota's army brigade during the assault. Soldiers under his command escorted the disappeared - 11 cafeteria workers and a captured rebel - out of the palace after the military stormed it. Armed rebels seized the courts that same day.

At least 100 people, including judges, were killed in the clash.

The arrest order for Arias was confirmed Friday by prosecutor Omar Zarabanda.

Ten former soldiers have been arrested in the case since Colombia's chief prosecutor reopened it three years ago.

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