* Travel Journal: Mampujan
Posted on April 19th, 2010 by Mike Shriver. Filed under Journal.
Torin has recently been informed of an upcoming event for the community he is living in. He will be helping organize and run an event he has been referring to as ‘The Audience’. The leaders of the paramilitary that displaced this community a decade ago are facing trial for the actions in Bogota, and as part of the proceedings, the community has been presented with an opportunity to confront these men face to face. Sembrandopaz is responsible for organizing the showing, which will happen over a video connection between the village and Bogota where the accused are located. Over 1.000 from this community and another are expected over the 10 day event. Facilities, means and workers will be provided by the government for this event. I am fortunate enough to see and probably assist with the setup and will get to witness first few days of the event.
The event is especially of note because it is the first time in Colombian history that a displaced community will be given a chance to confront the people that displaced it. Because of the uniqueness of this event I think I am going to try to push my departure back a week so that I can see more of it. I kind of doubt I will succeed, though, as my visa expires shortly after I am scheduled to leave, and if I pushed my stay back, I would be in the country illegally.