Colombia's Dr Miguel Angel Beltran absolved of all charges

Dr Miguel Angel Beltran has been the most prominent 'prisoner of conscience' whose case UCU has taken up in recent years. UCU general secretary Sally Hunt says 'we are delighted that Dr Beltran has been absolved of all charges. This vindicates the efforts UCU members have put in alongside Justice for Colombia, Amnesty International and teacher trade unionists round the world. We hope that it will be a significant step forward in the ongoing battle for human rights in Colombia.'

It is thought the verdict relates to the Colombian Supreme Court decision that evidence from the notorious FARC computers is illegal. Justice for Colombia expect Dr Beltran to be released in the coming days. See the Justice for Colombia webste for further information | June 2011

UPDATE

Dr Miguel Beltran released

Dr Beltran was released from prison on Tuesday 7 June 2011. Justice for Colombia provided UCU with this information concerning this release: 'A group of around 200 people went to meet him at the exit of the prison as he came out, including his family, many university professors, and his former students. Many more people joined Dr Beltran afterwards to celebrate at an event at the National University. However, the Colombian media have continued to accuse Miguel of being a terrorist, in spite of him being found innocent. There are therefore severe concerns for his safety, and since being released he has had to be accompanied by bodyguards.'