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Carlos Raúl van der Weyden Velásquez

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About Carlos Raúl van der Weyden Velásquez

18 posts · joined 2007-04-19

I am a Colombian digital journalist. I usually write for equinoXio digital magazine and used to carry The Colombia Herald, “one of the best examples of a “bridge blog”" David Sasaki “has ever seen” ;) Currently I'm trying to make some room on my busy schedule for Global Voices and for the recently started equinoXio english edition.

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Latest posts by Carlos Raúl van der Weyden Velásquez

Stories

March 21st, 2008

Colombia: Reward for FARC Guerrilla for Killing His Commander

Shortly after the death of FARC leader Raúl Reyes, it was revealed that another high ranking member of the guerrilla forces, Iván Ríos was also killed. It was assumed that the Colombian army also was responsible, but Ríos' bodyguard carried out the killing and sought to claim the reward promised by the government. Colombian bloggers present arguments for and against these rewards. Some are pleased that another criminal has been eliminated, while others think that this reward should only serve for tip-offs and that any criminal should be tried in court.

February 14th, 2008

Colombia: More Reactions to the March Against FARC

Reactions continue to emerge regarding the February 4 demonstration against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC, for its initials in Spanish). Many bloggers provide their thoughs on why they did or did not march, and the various political interests in play.

November 5th, 2007

Colombia: Local Elections and Uribe's Influence

Colombia recently held local elections, which were marked by campaign violence. They were also characterized by the influence by current president Álvaro Uribe, who still enjoys considerable popularity around the country. However, Colombian bloggers select their winners and losers beyond the vote counts.

October 16th, 2007

Colombia: Uribe vs. Supreme Court

Colombian President Álvaro Uribe is facing an investigation by the country's Supreme Court following accusations that he ordered the killing of a paramilitary warlord sparking a controversy between the head of state and the top judicial court. Colombian bloggers react to public opinions and the way that Uribe is publicly handling the allegations. The Colombian media is the target of attention from the blogosphere.

September 8th, 2007

Colombia: Bogus Earthquake Alarm in Bogotá

A prank was recently played on the entire city of Bogota, in which an individual called several companies indicating that a massive earthquake to strike the capital city. The false alarm sent many scurrying for safety and left the phone lines of the local seismology center at the point of collapse. Some Colombian bloggers and forum members provided the reminder that earthquakes cannot be predicted and lamented the fact that many Bogotans were unprepared in the event of a real emergency.

August 9th, 2007

Colombia: Moncayo's Walk for Hostage Release

Pablo Emilio Moncayo was kidnapped by FARC guerrillas in December of 1997. His father, schoolteacher Gustavo Moncayo, decided to walk with his daughter from his hometown to Bogotá to seek a "humanitarian exchange", or a prisoner swap of around 50 kidnapped individuals, including his son. Moncayo entered Bogotá on Wednesday, August 1, where he later met with President Alvaro Uribe. The events that transpired caused many reactions from Colombian bloggers, many of whom felt empathy for Moncayo's plight and humanity.