AUC Leaders Address Colombian Congress

I'm wondering what the purpose of this was:

Leaders of a far-right Colombian paramilitary group, accused of massacres and drug trafficking, addressed the country's Congress on Wednesday and said a peace deal should not include jailing them for their war against Marxist rebels.

The three leaders of the outlawed United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, or AUC, told a congressional hearing on their negotiations with the government that they took up arms because the military failed to protect them and their property.

"The reward for our sacrifice for our country, for having freed half the country from the guerrillas and preventing another Cuba or the old Nicaragua establishing itself on the nation's soil, cannot be to send us to prison," said Salvatore Mancuso, AUC military commander.

Oh really, Mr. Mancuso? What have you done to accomplish this "sacrifice?"

Assassinated Disappeared your own founder and suggested assassinating President Uribe to strengthen your bargaining position.

Used civilians as human shields.

Attacked peasants with chainsaws.

Stolen land from Colombian citizens.

You as well as the rest of your leadership are under indictment by the US Department of Justice for drug trafficking.

Some sacrifice. You personify the notion that patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels.

The US Ambassador, William Wood, to his credit isn't buying it and thinks that Mancuso should be extradited.

Here's the crocodile tears moment:

"I grew up and was educated with the desire to serve society. I never imagined that .... extortion and the threat of kidnapping and death would force me to [ed. note: extort, kidnap and murder? ]act in self-defense," said Mancuso, a burly rancher, wearing a suit and tie instead of his customary combat fatigues.

He opened his address by saying he "believed in God, in the God of hope, of love and of forgiveness."

Time to revisit your catechism, sir. To be forgiven you must acknowledge and do penance for your sins. It's high time you did so.