Family of victim of Trump boat airstrikes files complaint against ‘extrajudicial killing’ | First Thing
In a poignant development from Colombia, the family of Alejandro Carranza Medina has taken the significant step of filing a petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) in Washington, D.C. They allege that Carranza, who they assert was a humble fisherman rather than a drug trafficker, was the victim of an extrajudicial killing during a U.S. airstrike. This claim sheds light on the ongoing complexities of U.S. military operations abroad and raises critical questions about accountability and human rights. The IACHR, a vital body dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights across the Americas, has the potential to investigate such allegations and hold parties accountable. The U.S. State Department has historically been a strong supporter of the IACHR, which adds a layer of intrigue to how this case will unfold.
The response from the Trump administration has been notably dismissive, with White House spokesperson Anna Kelly avoiding direct comments on the specifics of Carranza’s death. Instead, she framed the media’s coverage as supportive of “foreign terrorists” involved in drug trafficking, indicating a broader narrative that seeks to justify U.S. military actions in the region. This incident not only highlights the tragic personal story of Carranza and his family but also reflects the larger geopolitical tensions surrounding U.S. foreign policy and military interventions, particularly in Latin America. As these discussions continue, the implications for human rights and international law remain at the forefront of this unfolding narrative.
Meanwhile, in a separate but equally pressing matter, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled that Russia is “ready” for continued military engagement in Europe amid stalled talks regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Recent gains on the battlefield have emboldened Moscow, and Putin’s rhetoric suggests a willingness to escalate military operations should diplomatic efforts fail. This situation remains fluid, with the potential for significant ramifications not only for Ukraine but for European security as a whole. As the world watches these developments, the interplay between military readiness and diplomatic negotiations will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of international relations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6ro_BIiJuY
Alejandro Carranza Medina’s relatives say he was a fisher, not a drug trafficker. Plus, Putin says Russia ‘ready’ for war with Europe as Ukraine talks stall
Don’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up here
Good morning.
A family in Colombia has filed a petition with the Washington DC-based Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), alleging that the Colombian citizen Alejandro Carranza Medina was
subject to an “extrajudicial killing”
in a US airstrike.
What is the IACHR?
A monitoring body designed to “promote and protect human rights in the western hemisphere”. The US is a member, and the state department said in March it was a “strong supporter of the IACHR”.
H
ow has the Trump administration responded?
A White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, did not respond directly to questions about the complaint or about Carranza’s death, but wrote in an email that the media were “now running cover for foreign terrorists smuggling deadly narcotics intended to murder Americans”.
What’s the latest on the front
lines?
Buoyed up by recent gains, Putin has indicated in recent weeks that the Russian military was prepared to keep fighting if diplomacy faltered, repeatedly emphasising that his forces remained on the offensive on the battlefield.
Continue reading…
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering General news.
