Mapping Colombian people's positions regarding the acceptability of political amnesties

Abstract

AbstractThis study mapped the different personal positions of Colombian adults regarding the determinants of the acceptability of political amnesties in post‐conflict contexts. A total of 380 Colombian adults between the ages of 18 and 80, living either in the capital or in rural areas (Cundinamarca and Chocó), were presented with 24 scenarios describing the situation of an amnesty applicant. They were composed according to a four‐factor schema: the personal willingness to be part of the rebel group at the time of recruitment, the quality of information the applicant was willing to disclose, the presence of an apology, and the level of punishment already suffered. Through cluster analysis, five qualitatively different positions were found: Never acceptable (20%), Almost always acceptable (13%), Depends jointly on the quality of information and repentance (45%), Depends on repentance and volunteering (8%), and Depends only on the quality of information (2%). The remaining participants (12%) did not express a position. For a majority of participants, whether they live in the capital or in rural areas, granting a political amnesty to a combatant is not unacceptable as a matter of principle. For those who believe that amnesty is possible, it must be deserved: the recipient must demonstrate that he or she no longer represents a potential danger to neighbors or future co‐workers. This implies that amnesties are granted on a case‐by‐case basis, after examination of each particular situation.