BOGOTA, Aug 5, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Colombia's peace tribunal on Tuesday charged 27 ex-guerrillas with crimes against humanity and sexual violence committed during the country's bloody armed conflict.

The JEP judges the worst crimes perpetrated over decades of violence and offers alternatives to prison for those who confess and make reparations to victims.

The court was created by a landmark 2016 peace deal with the now-defunct rebel army FARC, some of whose commanders were featured among those charged Tuesday.

The defendants' crimes included "bombings, massacres, homicides, disappearances, displacements, rape, sexual violence, and other acts such as guerrilla takeovers," the JEP stated on X.

Ex-FARC commander Rodrigo Londono, alias Timochenko, was one of four leaders to be charged.

By signing the 2016 deal, he and his associates submitted themselves to transitional justice, accepting responsibility for FARC's crimes and committing to telling the truth about their role in the conflict.

An investigation into mass kidnapping resulted in their first convictions last year -- eight years of restricted movement paired with community service that is due to begin in the coming months.

Judge Julieta Lemaitre said the defendants were responsible for the crimes "by action or by omission."

The judge recounted harrowing cases of abuse against civilians and maintains that a "pattern" of sexual violence emerged within rebel ranks.

"The fact that they (the commanders) did not keep the troops under control likewise gives rise to criminal responsibility," she said.

The court also judges crimes committed by state-backed paramilitary groups.

This responsibility has generated severe criticism from political groups that reject investigations into official forces while decrying guerrilla sentences they consider too lenient.

Colombia's hard-right president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who takes office Friday, wants to dismantle the JEP.

He has called the court a "revenge tribunal" that deals out disproportionate sentences.