Update: CNN does the legwork
A couple of weeks ago I commented on how no one seemed to have any concerns that Colombian military intelligence impersonated journalists and aid workers in their hostage rescue.
Today, CNN does.
Photographs of the Colombian military intelligence-led team that spearheaded the rescue, shown to CNN by a confidential military source, show one man wearing a bib with the Red Cross symbol. The military source said the three photos were taken moments before the mission took off to persuade the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia rebels to release the hostages to a supposed international aid group for transport to another rebel area.Such a use of the Red Cross emblem could constitute a "war crime" under the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law and could endanger humanitarian workers in the future, according to international legal expert Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Association.
Comments
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25705470/
Columbian government apologized.
Posted by: JohnnyB | July 16, 2008 5:04 PM
not sure if this is really what was happening. farc militants routinely bedeck their helicopters and trucks and whatnot with red crosses or other aid group insignia, particularly when transporting hostages. my understanding was the colombian military were pretending to be farc guys, and the aid group get-up was part of their costume. however, i am sleep deprived of late, so i could be wrong.
Posted by: slutwench | July 16, 2008 8:58 PM
I understand our local CIA branch has been dressing its terrorist operatives in law enforcement officer uniforms for many years, jeopardizing the reputation and safety of good cops throughout the city.
Posted by: J.D. | July 16, 2008 9:17 PM
Right, because Red Cross workers are consistently treated in accordance with the Geneva Convention. Google "red cross worker killed."
Maybe they should return the hostages; I'm certain they would trade freedom for strict adherence to the rules.
Posted by: MAtt | July 17, 2008 3:20 PM
Your logic is specious.
Posted by: Vance | July 17, 2008 11:06 PM
Whereas my species is logical.
Posted by: Spock | July 18, 2008 7:28 AM
You have no species, half-breed.
Posted by: Vance | July 18, 2008 4:29 PM