Back to Blog
Commander restaurant6/18/2023 ![]() ![]() There was “enormous pressure” from the state to wipe targets out, Mancuso said. “Mancuso’s narrative was that the military was not strong enough to combat the guerrillas themselves and needed an extrajudicial force in order to carry out the scorched-earth tactics that they themselves could not,” says Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst for Colombia at International Crisis Group. Mancuso said officials gave the AUC lists of individuals and communities with suspected ties to the communist rebels so they could intimidate, torture and assassinate them without consideration for the rules of war. In sessions lasting up to eight hours the former warlord this week gave grisly accounts of how the militia acted as an arm of the Colombian state to silence the political opposition and take on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) guerrillas. Mancuso, who was the AUC’s second in command, has admitted to orchestrating thousands of crimes and some of the darkest chapters in Colombian conflict – including massacres of unarmed civilians, torture and sexual violence. Photograph: Schneyder Mendoza/AFP/Getty Images Salvatore Mancuso, former commander of the right-wing paramilitary group AUC, seen on screen during during ceremony where he apologised for his crimes. ![]() Most of its 20,000 combatants laid down their weapons in 2004 as part of a controversial peace process. The AUC formed in the Córdoba region in the north of the country to protect landowners from guerrillas but rapidly expanded into one of the world’s biggest drug cartels. Mancuso was released from prison in 2020 and is seeking a reduced sentence from Colombia’s transitional justice system in exchange for divulging the human rights atrocities committed by the AUC – a key player in a brutal, six-decade-long conflict which has left 450,000 dead and millions displaced. “This phenomenon of paramilitarism came from the state,” Mancuso told the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) on a video link from the US where he was extradited on drugs charges in 2008. Watch our site for more information about band schedules and upcoming special events, and stop by the Commander any day or night for great food and fun.Salvatore Mancuso told Colombia’s peace tribunal this week that state institutions were not only complicit in the expansion of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) but actively coordinated with them, giving orders to wipe out anyone suspected of aligning with communist rebels. Be sure to come in for pull tabs and bingo, both of which offer an opportunity to win some great cash prizes. Whether you come for the great ambiance and full menu of excellent food or the live music each weekend, the Commander Bar is sure to keep you coming back for more! Those wanting a more sports bar feel can simply head downstairs to JJ’s Pub, which features a large bar, tons of table seating, and ample screens for viewing the game. Join us every Friday for our very popular meat raffle, Thursdays and Saturdays for bingo featuring a progressive jackpot, and of course live music each weekend with a variety of excellent musicians and a large spacious dance floor. Looking for something to do? Well then look no further. Many know the Commander Bar as the home of the famous Commander Garbage Pizza! Our menu features burgers, sandwiches, pizza, soups, salads, excellent dinners, and we even have lighter fare for those of you with a bit smaller appetites. Recently renovated with a beautiful new bar and dining area with a more spacious and customer friendly atmosphere, the Commander Bar is set to serve up the area’s best music, events, and dining for another 40 years. ![]() Located in beautiful Breezy Point Minnesota, just a short drive from Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa, and Crosslake, the Commander Bar has been serving area residents and visitors for over 40 years. In the Brainerd Lakes Area the Commander Bar & JJ’s Pub are the premier destination for dining and entertainment. ![]()
0 Comments
Read More
Leave a Reply. |