A Colombian court has given a long prison sentence to Salvatore Mancuso. He was a leader in the AUC, a paramilitary group. The sentence is 40 years for serious crimes like murder. However, this sentence can be shorter. It depends on Mancuso helping the justice system. He must also help victims get back what they lost.
Mancuso was sent back to Colombia this year. He had spent 15 years in prison in the United States. This was for crimes related to drugs. His return allowed Colombian courts to charge him for his role in the AUC. This group fought against leftist rebels. It also hurt many civilians.
The court's decision is about crimes from 2002 to 2006. These happened in La Guajira province. Mancuso was in charge then. Evidence shows 117 crimes. These include killings and people disappearing. The AUC became a criminal group. It was involved in drug trafficking. The Wayuu indigenous people in La Guajira suffered a lot.
The AUC's actions were part of Colombia's long conflict. Many people have died. The AUC started to disband in 2003. However, the effects of its violence are still felt. Mancuso was sent to the US in 2008. His return now allows for this important sentence. It aims to help victims find peace.
Colombia's justice system has a special plan. It asks criminals to tell the truth about bad actions. They must also help find missing people. This helps the country heal. Mancuso has Italian citizenship too. He needs to participate fully to get a shorter sentence. His real help will show if this plan works.