Target: Ms. Margarita Cabello Blanco, Attorney General of Colombia
Goal: Ensure appropriate legal action against the stepfather who is accused of sexually abusing his stepdaughter.
An alarming development has emerged in the tragic saga involving the four Indigenous children who miraculously survived for 40 days in the Amazon following a plane crash that claimed the lives of three adults, including their mother. The Colombian Prosecutor’s Office has formally charged Manuel Ranoque, the father of two of the survivors, with sexually abusing his stepdaughter, Lesly, who displayed incredible resilience during their harrowing ordeal.
During the judicial proceedings held recently, the Colombian Prosecutor’s Office accused Manuel Ranoque of “abusing his stepdaughter” Lesly since she was 10 years old. Lesly, now 13, demonstrated remarkable leadership and survival skills, guiding her siblings through the treacherous jungle terrain and keeping them safe from dangers such as snakes, predatory animals, and armed criminal groups.
The children, members of the Huitoto Indigenous group, exhibited extraordinary resourcefulness by subsisting on cassava flour salvaged from the plane wreckage and foraged wild fruits. Their survival story captivated the world, showcasing human determination and resilience in the face of extreme adversity.
Ranoque’s arrest on charges of sexual abuse has cast a shadow over this tale of survival and strength. He vehemently denies the allegations and is presently in custody pending further legal proceedings.
The custody battle that followed the children’s rescue exposed the complexity of their situation. Their miraculous rescue gave rise to a custody dispute between their maternal grandparents and Ranoque, the biological father of the two younger siblings.
The Colombian Family Welfare Institute, responsible for the children’s care, detected potential signs of sexual abuse during their recovery and subsequently informed the Prosecutor’s Office.
The gravity of these allegations threatens to overshadow the remarkable story of survival and unity that emerged from the Amazon jungle. Sign below and demand that an authority committed to upholding justice and safeguarding the rights of all individuals thoroughly investigate this case to ensure the truth is revealed and justice is served.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Ms. Margarita Cabello Blanco,
We implore you to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into these serious allegations. The truth must be unveiled, and justice served for Lesly, the potential victim of sexual abuse who exhibited remarkable resilience during the ordeal in the Amazon.
The resilience of these children in the face of adversity has become a symbol of human strength and determination. It is crucial that the legal process unfolds in a manner that respects the rights of all parties involved and seeks to uncover the truth.
We urge you to prioritize this case and take appropriate legal action if the allegations are substantiated. By doing so, you will not only seek justice for Lesly and her siblings, but also reaffirm Colombia’s commitment to upholding the rights and well-being of all its citizens.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Kostiantyn Li
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