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'''Zaida Catalán''' (6 October 1980 – March 2017) was a Swedish politician who was a member of the [[Green Party (Sweden)|Green Party]] and leader of the [[Young Greens of Sweden]] between 2001 and 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-congo-kidnapping-idUSKBN16K1V7|title=Two U.N. officials of U.S., Swedish nationality kidnapped in central Congo|date=13 March 2017|publisher=[[Reuters]]|access-date=29 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329142021/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-congo-kidnapping-idUSKBN16K1V7|archive-date=29 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''Zaida Catalán''' (6 October 1980 – 12 March 2017)<ref name="besovo17" />{{rp|33}} was a Swedish politician who was a member of the [[Green Party (Sweden)|Green Party]] and leader of the [[Young Greens of Sweden]] between 2001 and 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-congo-kidnapping-idUSKBN16K1V7|title=Two U.N. officials of U.S., Swedish nationality kidnapped in central Congo|date=13 March 2017|publisher=[[Reuters]]|access-date=29 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329142021/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-congo-kidnapping-idUSKBN16K1V7|archive-date=29 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>


She was known for her work in activism including environmental issues, animal rights, and human rights (including support of Sweden's sex purchase law; see [[Prostitution in Sweden]]).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/14/opinion/united-nations-congo-killings.html?ribbon-ad-idx=17&rref=opinion&module=Ribbon&version=context&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=article |title=Opinion - The U.N.'s Tragic Inaction on Congo |work=New York Times |date=14 June 2017 |access-date=2017-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804055619/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/14/opinion/united-nations-congo-killings.html?ribbon-ad-idx=17&rref=opinion&module=Ribbon&version=context&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=article |archive-date=2017-08-04 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |last1=Sawyer |first1=Ida |last2=Stearns |first2=Jason}}</ref>
She was an activist on issues including the environment, animal rights, and human rights (including support of Sweden's sex purchase law; see [[Prostitution in Sweden]]).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/14/opinion/united-nations-congo-killings.html?ribbon-ad-idx=17&rref=opinion&module=Ribbon&version=context&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=article |title=Opinion - The U.N.'s Tragic Inaction on Congo |work=New York Times |date=14 June 2017 |access-date=2017-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804055619/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/14/opinion/united-nations-congo-killings.html?ribbon-ad-idx=17&rref=opinion&module=Ribbon&version=context&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=article |archive-date=2017-08-04 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |last1=Sawyer |first1=Ida |last2=Stearns |first2=Jason}}</ref>


Catalán was kidnapped and murdered while on a UN mission to the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] (DRC) in March 2017. Critics allege the UN was irresponsible in sending her to a high-conflict zone with limited training and support. On 29 January 2022, a DRC court sentenced over 50 people for the murders of Catalán and her American colleague Michael Sharp.
Catalán was kidnapped and murdered while on a UN mission to the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] (DRC) in March 2017. Critics alleged that the UN was irresponsible in sending her to a high-conflict zone with limited training and support. On 29 January 2022, a DRC court sentenced over 50 people for the murders of Catalán and her American colleague Michael Sharp.


==Biography==
==Biography==


===Early life ===
===Early life ===
Zaida Catalán was born in [[Stockholm]] but grew up in [[Högsby]] in [[Småland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201703140081.html|title=Congo-Kinshasa: Two United Nations Workers Kidnapped in DRC|date=14 March 2017|publisher=[[AllAfrica.com]]|access-date=29 March 2017|via=AllAfrica|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329141237/http://allafrica.com/stories/201703140081.html|archive-date=29 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=December 2023}} Her mother was Swedish while her father had come to Sweden as a political refugee from [[Chile]] in 1975.<ref name="rte.ie">{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/0328/863296-dr-congo-un-bodies/|title=Bodies of two UN investigators found in Congo - govt|date=28 March 2017|publisher=[[RTÉ]]|access-date=29 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328204304/https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/0328/863296-dr-congo-un-bodies/|archive-date=28 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=December 2023}} She studied law at [[Stockholm University]], obtaining a Master of Law degree.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://old.ilga-europe.org/home/how_we_work/european_institutions/be_bothered/map/sweden/candidates/catalan_zaida|title=Catalán Zaida / Candidates / Sweden / EU map: who signed ILGA-Europe's Pledge / Be Bothered – European Parliament 2009-2014 / Working with the European Institutions / How we work / Home / ilga - ILGA Europe|access-date=29 March 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329232239/http://old.ilga-europe.org/home/how_we_work/european_institutions/be_bothered/map/sweden/candidates/catalan_zaida|archive-date=29 March 2017}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=December 2023}}
Zaida Catalán was born in [[Stockholm]] but grew up in [[Högsby]] in [[Småland]].<ref name="nyb21">{{cite news |title=Zaida Maria Catalán |first=Petra |last=Nyberg |date=2021-01-08 |language=sv |work=[[Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon]] |url=https://skbl.se/en/article/ZaidaMariaCatalan |access-date=2023-12-02 |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202115049/https://skbl.se/en/article/ZaidaMariaCatalan |url-status=live }}</ref> Her mother was Swedish while her father had come to Sweden as a political refugee from [[Chile]] in 1975.<ref name="nyb21" /> She studied law at [[Stockholm University]],<ref name="nyb21" /> obtaining a Master of Law degree.


===Political career===
===Political career===
With a background as an animal rights activist, Catalán became the leader of the [[Young Greens of Sweden]] in 2001. After two years as the leader of the organisation along with [[Gustav Fridolin]] and two years along with [[Einar Westergaard]], she resigned as leader of the Young Greens in 2005.
With a background as an animal rights activist, Catalán became the leader of the [[Young Greens of Sweden]] in 2001. After two years as the leader of the organisation along with [[Gustav Fridolin]] and two years along with [[Einar Westergaard]], she resigned as leader of the Young Greens in 2005.


In late 2008, she announced her candidacy for the [[European Parliament]] for 2009.<ref name="thelocal.se">{{cite news|url=https://www.thelocal.se/20090520/19566|title=Zaida Catalán: Getting the vote out for a greener Europe|date=20 May 2009|newspaper=[[The Local]]|access-date=29 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518125135/https://www.thelocal.se/20090520/19566|archive-date=18 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Catalán came fifth in internal voting for the party's list for the European Parliament. Following her personal campaign, Catalán received 16,300 votes in the election, which wasn't enough to get a place in the European Parliament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/a/human-rights-watch-missing-un-workers-congo/3781615.html|title=Rights Group: Congo Must Help Search for Missing UN Staff|work=VOA News|agency=Associated Press|access-date=29 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329140746/http://www.voanews.com/a/human-rights-watch-missing-un-workers-congo/3781615.html|archive-date=29 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="thelocal.se"/> After the [[2006 Swedish general election|Swedish general election]] in 2006 she was part of the Stockholm City Council for the Green Party.<ref name="thelocal.se"/>
In late 2008, she announced her candidacy for the [[European Parliament]] for 2009.<ref name="thelocal.se">{{cite news |url=https://www.thelocal.se/20090520/19566 |title=Zaida Catalán: Getting the vote out for a greener Europe |first=Lydia |last=Parafianowicz |date=20 May 2009 |newspaper=[[The Local]] |access-date=2023-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518125135/https://www.thelocal.se/20090520/19566 |archive-date=2017-05-18 |url-status=live}}</ref> Catalán came fifth in internal voting for the party's list for the European Parliament. Following her personal campaign, Catalán received 16,300 votes in the election, which wasn't enough to get a place in the European Parliament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/a/human-rights-watch-missing-un-workers-congo/3781615.html|title=Rights Group: Congo Must Help Search for Missing UN Staff|work=VOA News|date=25 March 2017 |agency=Associated Press|access-date=29 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329140746/http://www.voanews.com/a/human-rights-watch-missing-un-workers-congo/3781615.html|archive-date=29 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=December 2023}} After the [[2006 Swedish general election|Swedish general election]] in 2006 she was part of the Stockholm City Council for the Green Party.<ref name="thelocal.se"/>


In December 2010, Catalán announced that she would leave her work as a lawyer for the Green Party's parliamentary group and start working as an expert on sexual violence for the [[European Union Police Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo]] in [[Goma]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://africatimes.com/2017/03/14/monusco-search-continues-for-abducted-un-experts-in-dr-congo/ |url-status=dead |title=MONUSCO: Search continues for abducted UN experts in DR Congo |date=14 March 2017 |publisher=Africa Times |access-date=29 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jusektidningen.se/arkivet/2011/1/zaida-catalan-det-blir-svart-att-utratta-nagot-bra/ |newspaper=Jusektidningen |title=Zaida Catalan - det blir svårt att uträtta något bra |date=2011 |access-date=29 March 2017 |language=sv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723033503/http://www.jusektidningen.se/arkivet/2011/1/zaida-catalan-det-blir-svart-att-utratta-nagot-bra/ |archive-date=23 July 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
In December 2010, Catalán announced that she would leave her work as a lawyer for the Green Party's parliamentary group and start working as an expert on sexual violence for the [[European Union Police Mission]] in [[Goma]] in the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://africatimes.com/2017/03/14/monusco-search-continues-for-abducted-un-experts-in-dr-congo/ |title=MONUSCO: Search continues for abducted UN experts in DR Congo |date=14 March 2017 |publisher=Africa Times |access-date=29 March 2017 |archive-date=29 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329232251/http://africatimes.com/2017/03/14/monusco-search-continues-for-abducted-un-experts-in-dr-congo/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="joh10">{{cite news |url=http://www.jusektidningen.se/arkivet/2011/1/zaida-catalan-det-blir-svart-att-utratta-nagot-bra/ |newspaper=Jusektidningen |title=Zaida Catalan – det blir svårt att uträtta något bra |trans-title=Zaida Catalan – it becomes difficult to accomplish anything well |first=Marieke |last=Johnson |date=2010-12-21 |language=sv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723033503/http://www.jusektidningen.se/arkivet/2011/1/zaida-catalan-det-blir-svart-att-utratta-nagot-bra/ |archive-date=23 July 2014 |url-status=dead |access-date=2023-12-02}}</ref>

Catalán began working in an expert group for the United Nations in 2016, reporting to the [[United Nations Security Council|Security Council]] and directly to the [[Secretary-General of the United Nations|Secretary-General]], investigating abuse against the population and human rights violations in the DRC.<ref name="nyb21" />


==Kidnapping and murder==
==Kidnapping and murder==
On 12 March 2017, Catalán and another UN employee, American Michael Sharp, were kidnapped during a mission near the village Ngombe in the [[Kasai Province]] in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.<ref name="bbc">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39418277 |title=Kasai unrest: UN experts found dead in DR Congo |date=28 March 2017 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |access-date=29 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328230642/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39418277 |archive-date=28 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> They were both found dead on 27 March.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/congo-caucasian-bodies-un-experts-disappeared/ |title=Congo finds Caucasian bodies where U.N. experts disappeared |publisher=[[CBS News]] |access-date=29 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329050641/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/congo-caucasian-bodies-un-experts-disappeared/ |archive-date=29 March 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> The UN was reportedly horrified when a grisly video of the killing of the two UN experts surfaced in April 2017.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/24/un-experts-killed-congo-video-michael-sharp-zaida-catalan Experts kiiled in the Congo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424232037/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/24/un-experts-killed-congo-video-michael-sharp-zaida-catalan |date=2017-04-24 }}, Retrieved 21 May 2017</ref> Catalán was found in a shallow grave;<ref name="bbc" /> the body was [[decapitation|beheaded]], presumably as some kind of ritual (''[[muti]]'') by the murderers,<ref>[http://www.lalibre.be/dernieres-depeches/afp/meurtre-de-deux-experts-de-l-onu-la-rdc-presente-une-video-58fe3008cd70812a659fffed Meurtre de deux experts de l'ONU: la RDC présente une vidéo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806064445/http://www.lalibre.be/dernieres-depeches/afp/meurtre-de-deux-experts-de-l-onu-la-rdc-presente-une-video-58fe3008cd70812a659fffed |date=2017-08-06}}, Retrieved 05 August 2017|(In French)</ref> but despite the arrest of two primary suspects by Congolese authorities, the head was never found.<ref>[http://en.rfi.fr/africa/20170613-report-drc-massacre-villages-await-un-inquiry DRC Exclusive report Part 1: Kasai massacre villages await UN inquiry] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713043002/http://en.rfi.fr/africa/20170613-report-drc-massacre-villages-await-un-inquiry |date=2018-07-13}}, Retrieved 05 June, 2018</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/20/world/africa/congo-zaida-catalan-michael-j-sharp-united-nations-democratic-republic-of-congo.html For 2 Experts Killed in Congo, U.N. Provided Little Training and No Protection] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522005918/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/20/world/africa/congo-zaida-catalan-michael-j-sharp-united-nations-democratic-republic-of-congo.html |date=2017-05-22}}, Retrieved 05 August, 2017</ref> On 26 March 2018, one of the perpetrators, Vincent Manga, was captured by Kananga's military authorities and moved the investigation into a new direction in order to solve the incident.<ref>[https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/rdc-arrestation-de-l-un-des-acteurs-principaux-soup-onn-du-meurtre RDC : arrestation de l’un des « acteurs principaux » soupçonné du meurtre des experts onusiens au Kasaï] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183321/https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/rdc-arrestation-de-l-un-des-acteurs-principaux-soup-onn-du-meurtre |date=2018-04-25}}, Retrieved 24 April 2018</ref>
On 12 March 2017, Catalán and another UN employee, American Michael Sharp, were kidnapped along with Congolese interpreter Betu Tshintela, driver Isaac Kabuayi and two motorbike drivers during a mission near the village Ngombe in the [[Kasai Province]] in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.<ref name="bbc">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39418277 |title=Kasai unrest: UN experts found dead in DR Congo |date=28 March 2017 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |access-date=29 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328230642/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39418277 |archive-date=28 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="cbs17" /> Catalán and Sharp were found dead side by side in a shallow grave about {{convert|80|cm}} deep on 27 March 2017.<ref name="cbs17">{{cite web |title=Congo finds Caucasian bodies where U.N. experts disappeared |date=2017-03-28 |publisher=[[CBS News]] |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/congo-caucasian-bodies-un-experts-disappeared/ |access-date=2023-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329050641/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/congo-caucasian-bodies-un-experts-disappeared/ |archive-date=29 March 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="lei19" /><ref name="rte.ie">{{cite web |title=Bodies of two UN investigators found in Congo - govt |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/0328/863296-dr-congo-un-bodies/ |date=28 March 2017 |publisher=[[RTÉ]] |access-date=2023-12-02 |archive-date=29 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329141355/https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/0328/863296-dr-congo-un-bodies/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A video of the killing of the two surfaced in April 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=UN 'utterly horrified' by video appearing to show murder of two experts in Congo |author=((Reuters)) |date=2017-04-25 |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/24/un-experts-killed-congo-video-michael-sharp-zaida-catalan |access-date=2023-12-02 |archive-date=24 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424232037/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/24/un-experts-killed-congo-video-michael-sharp-zaida-catalan |url-status=live }}</ref> Catalán's body was found [[decapitation|beheaded]];<ref name="bbc" /><ref name="lei19">{{cite news |title=How Uruguayan Peacekeepers Found the Two Dead UN Experts in Congo in 2017 |first=Dulcie |last=Leimbach |date=2019-05-29 |work=PassBlue |url=https://www.passblue.com/2019/05/29/how-uruguayan-peacekeepers-found-the-two-dead-un-experts-in-congo-in-2017/ |access-date=2023-12-02 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011125222/https://www.passblue.com/2019/05/29/how-uruguayan-peacekeepers-found-the-two-dead-un-experts-in-congo-in-2017/ |url-status=live }}</ref> it was speculated that this was some kind of ritual (''[[muti]]'') by the murderers.<ref name="afp17">{{cite news |title=Meurtre de deux experts de l'ONU: la RDC présente une vidéo |author=AFP |date=2017-04-24 |language=fr |url=https://www.lalibre.be/dernieres-depeches/afp/2017/04/24/meurtre-de-deux-experts-de-lonu-la-rdc-presente-une-video-NAKFR3LL6RCARDWIJPM5IIKGYY/ |access-date=2023-12-02 |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202104804/https://www.lalibre.be/dernieres-depeches/afp/2017/04/24/meurtre-de-deux-experts-de-lonu-la-rdc-presente-une-video-NAKFR3LL6RCARDWIJPM5IIKGYY/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite the arrest of two primary suspects by Congolese authorities, the head was never found.<ref>[http://en.rfi.fr/africa/20170613-report-drc-massacre-villages-await-un-inquiry DRC Exclusive report Part 1: Kasai massacre villages await UN inquiry] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713043002/http://en.rfi.fr/africa/20170613-report-drc-massacre-villages-await-un-inquiry |date=2018-07-13}}, Retrieved 05 June, 2018</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/20/world/africa/congo-zaida-catalan-michael-j-sharp-united-nations-democratic-republic-of-congo.html For 2 Experts Killed in Congo, U.N. Provided Little Training and No Protection] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522005918/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/20/world/africa/congo-zaida-catalan-michael-j-sharp-united-nations-democratic-republic-of-congo.html |date=2017-05-22}}, Retrieved 05 August, 2017</ref> On 26 March 2018, one of the perpetrators, Vincent Manga, was captured by Kananga's military authorities and moved the investigation into a new direction in order to solve the incident.<ref>[https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/rdc-arrestation-de-l-un-des-acteurs-principaux-soup-onn-du-meurtre RDC : arrestation de l’un des « acteurs principaux » soupçonné du meurtre des experts onusiens au Kasaï] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183321/https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/rdc-arrestation-de-l-un-des-acteurs-principaux-soup-onn-du-meurtre |date=2018-04-25}}, Retrieved 24 April 2018</ref>


On 29 March, Swedish authorities launched an investigation into the murder of Catalán; the Minister for Education [[Gustav Fridolin]] and the Prime Minister [[Stefan Löfven]] both expressed their dismay and sadness over her death and offered their condolences to her family.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dn.se/nyheter/varlden/wallstrom-kraver-att-mordet-pa-catalan-klaras-upp/|title=Wallström kräver att mordet på Catalán klaras upp - DN.SE|newspaper=Dagens Nyheter |date=29 March 2017|access-date=29 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329094623/http://www.dn.se/nyheter/varlden/wallstrom-kraver-att-mordet-pa-catalan-klaras-upp/|archive-date=29 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> UN Secretary-General [[António Guterres]] also offered his condolences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.svd.se/ud-svenskan-har-hittats-dod|title=Krav på att mordet på Catalán klaras upp|last=TT|access-date=29 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328234427/https://www.svd.se/ud-svenskan-har-hittats-dod|archive-date=28 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 29 March, Swedish authorities launched an investigation into Catalán's murder; the Minister for Education [[Gustav Fridolin]] and the Prime Minister [[Stefan Löfven]] both expressed their dismay and sadness over her death and offered their condolences to her family.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dn.se/nyheter/varlden/wallstrom-kraver-att-mordet-pa-catalan-klaras-upp/|title=Wallström kräver att mordet på Catalán klaras upp - DN.SE|newspaper=Dagens Nyheter |date=29 March 2017|access-date=29 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329094623/http://www.dn.se/nyheter/varlden/wallstrom-kraver-att-mordet-pa-catalan-klaras-upp/|archive-date=29 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> UN Secretary-General [[António Guterres]] also offered his condolences.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.svd.se/ud-svenskan-har-hittats-dod|title=Krav på att mordet på Catalán klaras upp|last=TT|newspaper=Svenska Dagbladet |date=28 March 2017 |access-date=29 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328234427/https://www.svd.se/ud-svenskan-har-hittats-dod|archive-date=28 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>


Criticism of the U.N. has been expressed about the U.N.'s approach to the mission of their two experts.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/20/world/africa/congo-zaida-catalan-michael-j-sharp-united-nations-democratic-republic-of-congo.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news U.N. criticized for dangerous mission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621143253/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/20/world/africa/congo-zaida-catalan-michael-j-sharp-united-nations-democratic-republic-of-congo.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news |date=2017-06-21}} Retrieved May 21, 2017</ref> They were sent into a remote and violence-torn area on motorbike taxis with only an interpreter at their side and without much training, safety equipment or even health insurance, an "astoundingly irresponsible approach by the United Nations to an obviously dangerous and hugely important task."<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/23/opinion/un-congo-murder.html New York Times opinion: U.N. Congo murder] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524143402/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/23/opinion/un-congo-murder.html |date=2017-05-24}} Retrieved May 27, 2017</ref>
The UN's approach to Catalán and Sharp's mission received criticism.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/20/world/africa/congo-zaida-catalan-michael-j-sharp-united-nations-democratic-republic-of-congo.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news U.N. criticized for dangerous mission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621143253/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/20/world/africa/congo-zaida-catalan-michael-j-sharp-united-nations-democratic-republic-of-congo.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news |date=2017-06-21}} Retrieved May 21, 2017</ref> A ''[[New York Times]]'' editorial described their dispatch to a violent region without safety equipment as an "astoundingly irresponsible approach by the United Nations to an obviously dangerous and hugely important task."<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/23/opinion/un-congo-murder.html New York Times opinion: U.N. Congo murder] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524143402/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/23/opinion/un-congo-murder.html |date=2017-05-24}} Retrieved May 27, 2017</ref>


==Trials and sentences==
==Trials and sentences==
Over 50 people were tried for the murder of Catalán and her American colleague. On 29 January 2022, 51 people were sentenced in a DR Congo court<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-60183952|title=DR Congo issues death sentences for murder of UN experts|date=29 January 2022|accessdate=30 January 2022|journal=BBC News|archive-date=30 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130001209/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-60183952|url-status=live}}</ref> to a variety of punishment, including death penalty and life imprisonment, the lowest sentence being 10 years of imprisonment.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/29/drc-51-people-sentenced-to-death-over-2017-of-two-un-experts|journal=The Guardian|title=DRC: 51 people sentenced to death over 2017 murder of two UN experts &#124; Democratic Republic of the Congo &#124; The Guardian|accessdate=30 January 2022|archive-date=29 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129225223/https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/29/drc-51-people-sentenced-to-death-over-2017-of-two-un-experts|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/dozens-sentenced-death-over-murders-un-experts-congo-2022-01-29/|title=Dozens sentenced to death over murders of U.N. experts in Congo|first=Aaron|last=Ross|date=30 January 2022|accessdate=30 January 2022|work=Reuters|archive-date=30 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130002218/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/dozens-sentenced-death-over-murders-un-experts-congo-2022-01-29/|url-status=live}}</ref> The sentences can be appealed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.msn.com/en-xl/africa/top-stories/dr-congo-court-set-for-verdict-in-murder-of-un-experts/ar-AATgje7|title=DR Congo court set for verdict in murder of UN experts|website=MSN News|accessdate=30 January 2022|archive-date=30 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130091755/https://www.msn.com/en-xl/africa/top-stories/dr-congo-court-set-for-verdict-in-murder-of-un-experts/ar-AATgje7|url-status=live}}</ref>
Over 50 people were tried for the murder of Catalán and her American colleague. On 29 January 2022, 51 people were sentenced in a DRC court to a variety of punishments,<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-60183952|title=DR Congo issues death sentences for murder of UN experts|date=29 January 2022|accessdate=30 January 2022|journal=BBC News|archive-date=30 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130001209/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-60183952|url-status=live}}</ref> including death penalty and life imprisonment, the lowest sentence being 10 years of imprisonment.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/29/drc-51-people-sentenced-to-death-over-2017-of-two-un-experts|journal=The Guardian|title=DRC: 51 people sentenced to death over 2017 murder of two UN experts &#124; Democratic Republic of the Congo &#124; The Guardian|accessdate=30 January 2022|archive-date=29 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129225223/https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/29/drc-51-people-sentenced-to-death-over-2017-of-two-un-experts|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/dozens-sentenced-death-over-murders-un-experts-congo-2022-01-29/|title=Dozens sentenced to death over murders of U.N. experts in Congo|first=Aaron|last=Ross|date=30 January 2022|accessdate=30 January 2022|work=Reuters|archive-date=30 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130002218/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/dozens-sentenced-death-over-murders-un-experts-congo-2022-01-29/|url-status=live}}</ref> The sentences can be appealed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.msn.com/en-xl/africa/top-stories/dr-congo-court-set-for-verdict-in-murder-of-un-experts/ar-AATgje7|title=DR Congo court set for verdict in murder of UN experts|website=MSN News|accessdate=30 January 2022|archive-date=30 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130091755/https://www.msn.com/en-xl/africa/top-stories/dr-congo-court-set-for-verdict-in-murder-of-un-experts/ar-AATgje7|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Memorials==
==Homages to her memory==
On February 20, 2018, the Zaida Catalán Room at the Chilean Embassy in [[Sweden]] was inaugurated.<ref>[http://www.magazinlatino.com/index.php/cultura/item/873-inauguracion-del-salon-zaida-catalan-embajada-de-chile-en-suecia Inauguración del Salón Zaida Catalán - Embajada de Chile en Suecia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920203332/http://www.magazinlatino.com/index.php/cultura/item/873-inauguracion-del-salon-zaida-catalan-embajada-de-chile-en-suecia |date=2020-09-20 }} Retrieved June 5, 2018|(In Spanish)</ref>
On 20 February 2018 the Zaida Catalán Room at the Chilean Embassy in [[Sweden]] was inaugurated,<ref>[http://www.magazinlatino.com/index.php/cultura/item/873-inauguracion-del-salon-zaida-catalan-embajada-de-chile-en-suecia Inauguración del Salón Zaida Catalán - Embajada de Chile en Suecia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920203332/http://www.magazinlatino.com/index.php/cultura/item/873-inauguracion-del-salon-zaida-catalan-embajada-de-chile-en-suecia |date=2020-09-20 }} Retrieved June 5, 2018|(In Spanish)</ref> and in the same year the Network on Humanitarian Action (NOHA) foundation started a scholarship program in Catalán's memory.<ref>[https://www.uu.se/nyheter-press/nyheter/artikel/?id=10782&typ=artikel Stipendium till minne av Zaida Catalán] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920203333/https://www.uu.se/nyheter-press/nyheter/artikel/?id=10782&typ=artikel |date=2020-09-20}} Retrieved June 5, 2018|(In Swedish)</ref>


⚫
In 2020, the [[Folke Bernadotte Academy]] was asked by the Swedish Government to establish a scholarship aimed at supporting the implementation of [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325|UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on women, peace and security]]. The scholarship was established in Catalán's memory.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Scholarship in support of women, peace and security in memory of Zaida Catalán|url=https://fba.se/en/areas-of-expertise/womenandyouth/scholarship-in-support-of-women-peace-and-security-in-memory-of-zaida-catalan/?epslanguage=en|access-date=2022-01-31|website=FBA|language=en|archive-date=2022-01-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131070454/https://fba.se/en/areas-of-expertise/womenandyouth/scholarship-in-support-of-women-peace-and-security-in-memory-of-zaida-catalan/?epslanguage=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2018, NOHA foundation (Network On Humanitarian Action) started a scholarship program in her memory.<ref>[https://www.uu.se/nyheter-press/nyheter/artikel/?id=10782&typ=artikel Stipendium till minne av Zaida Catalán] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920203333/https://www.uu.se/nyheter-press/nyheter/artikel/?id=10782&typ=artikel |date=2020-09-20}} Retrieved June 5, 2018|(In Swedish)</ref>

⚫
In 2020, the [[Folke Bernadotte Academy]] was tasked by the Swedish Government to establish a scholarship aimed at supporting the implementation of [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325|UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on women, peace and security]]. The scholarship was established in memory of Zaida Catalán.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Scholarship in support of women, peace and security in memory of Zaida Catalán|url=https://fba.se/en/areas-of-expertise/womenandyouth/scholarship-in-support-of-women-peace-and-security-in-memory-of-zaida-catalan/?epslanguage=en|access-date=2022-01-31|website=FBA|language=en|archive-date=2022-01-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131070454/https://fba.se/en/areas-of-expertise/womenandyouth/scholarship-in-support-of-women-peace-and-security-in-memory-of-zaida-catalan/?epslanguage=en|url-status=live}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 61: Line 61:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name="besovo17">{{cite report |title=Final report of the group of experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo |last1=Behalal |first1=Zobel |last2=Sollazzo |first2=Roberto |last3=Vogel |first3=Christoph |last4=Zounmenou |first4=David |date=2017-08-10 |publisher=United Nations |location=New York |url=http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_2017_672.pdf |access-date=2023-12-02 |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202092532/http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_2017_672.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
Line 88: Line 90:
[[Category:Swedish politicians of Chilean descent]]
[[Category:Swedish politicians of Chilean descent]]
[[Category:Violence against women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo]]
[[Category:Violence against women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo]]
[[Category:2010s assassinated politicians]]
[[Category:European politicians assassinated in the 2010s]]
[[Category:Politicians assassinated in 2017]]

Latest revision as of 12:28, 5 October 2024

Zaida Catalán
Born(1980-10-06)6 October 1980
Stockholm, Sweden
Died12 March 2017(2017-03-12) (aged 36)
Kasai, Democratic Republic of the Congo
NationalitySwedish

Zaida Catalán (6 October 1980 – 12 March 2017)[1]: 33  was a Swedish politician who was a member of the Green Party and leader of the Young Greens of Sweden between 2001 and 2005.[2]

She was an activist on issues including the environment, animal rights, and human rights (including support of Sweden's sex purchase law; see Prostitution in Sweden).[3]

Catalán was kidnapped and murdered while on a UN mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in March 2017. Critics alleged that the UN was irresponsible in sending her to a high-conflict zone with limited training and support. On 29 January 2022, a DRC court sentenced over 50 people for the murders of Catalán and her American colleague Michael Sharp.

Biography

[edit]

Early life

[edit]

Zaida Catalán was born in Stockholm but grew up in Högsby in Småland.[4] Her mother was Swedish while her father had come to Sweden as a political refugee from Chile in 1975.[4] She studied law at Stockholm University,[4] obtaining a Master of Law degree.

Political career

[edit]

With a background as an animal rights activist, Catalán became the leader of the Young Greens of Sweden in 2001. After two years as the leader of the organisation along with Gustav Fridolin and two years along with Einar Westergaard, she resigned as leader of the Young Greens in 2005.

In late 2008, she announced her candidacy for the European Parliament for 2009.[5] Catalán came fifth in internal voting for the party's list for the European Parliament. Following her personal campaign, Catalán received 16,300 votes in the election, which wasn't enough to get a place in the European Parliament.[6][failed verification] After the Swedish general election in 2006 she was part of the Stockholm City Council for the Green Party.[5]

In December 2010, Catalán announced that she would leave her work as a lawyer for the Green Party's parliamentary group and start working as an expert on sexual violence for the European Union Police Mission in Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[7][8]

Catalán began working in an expert group for the United Nations in 2016, reporting to the Security Council and directly to the Secretary-General, investigating abuse against the population and human rights violations in the DRC.[4]

Kidnapping and murder

[edit]

On 12 March 2017, Catalán and another UN employee, American Michael Sharp, were kidnapped along with Congolese interpreter Betu Tshintela, driver Isaac Kabuayi and two motorbike drivers during a mission near the village Ngombe in the Kasai Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[9][10] Catalán and Sharp were found dead side by side in a shallow grave about 80 centimetres (31 in) deep on 27 March 2017.[10][11][12] A video of the killing of the two surfaced in April 2017.[13] Catalán's body was found beheaded;[9][11] it was speculated that this was some kind of ritual (muti) by the murderers.[14] Despite the arrest of two primary suspects by Congolese authorities, the head was never found.[15][16] On 26 March 2018, one of the perpetrators, Vincent Manga, was captured by Kananga's military authorities and moved the investigation into a new direction in order to solve the incident.[17]

On 29 March, Swedish authorities launched an investigation into Catalán's murder; the Minister for Education Gustav Fridolin and the Prime Minister Stefan Löfven both expressed their dismay and sadness over her death and offered their condolences to her family.[18] UN Secretary-General António Guterres also offered his condolences.[19]

The UN's approach to Catalán and Sharp's mission received criticism.[20] A New York Times editorial described their dispatch to a violent region without safety equipment as an "astoundingly irresponsible approach by the United Nations to an obviously dangerous and hugely important task."[21]

Trials and sentences

[edit]

Over 50 people were tried for the murder of Catalán and her American colleague. On 29 January 2022, 51 people were sentenced in a DRC court to a variety of punishments,[22] including death penalty and life imprisonment, the lowest sentence being 10 years of imprisonment.[23][24] The sentences can be appealed.[25]

Memorials

[edit]

On 20 February 2018 the Zaida Catalán Room at the Chilean Embassy in Sweden was inaugurated,[26] and in the same year the Network on Humanitarian Action (NOHA) foundation started a scholarship program in Catalán's memory.[27]

In 2020, the Folke Bernadotte Academy was asked by the Swedish Government to establish a scholarship aimed at supporting the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on women, peace and security. The scholarship was established in Catalán's memory.[28]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Behalal, Zobel; Sollazzo, Roberto; Vogel, Christoph; Zounmenou, David (10 August 2017). Final report of the group of experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (PDF) (Report). New York: United Nations. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  2. ^ "Two U.N. officials of U.S., Swedish nationality kidnapped in central Congo". Reuters. 13 March 2017. Archived from the original on 29 March 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  3. ^ Sawyer, Ida; Stearns, Jason (14 June 2017). "Opinion - The U.N.'s Tragic Inaction on Congo". New York Times. Archived from the original on 4 August 2017. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d Nyberg, Petra (8 January 2021). "Zaida Maria Catalán". Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon (in Swedish). Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  5. ^ a b Parafianowicz, Lydia (20 May 2009). "Zaida Catalán: Getting the vote out for a greener Europe". The Local. Archived from the original on 18 May 2017. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  6. ^ "Rights Group: Congo Must Help Search for Missing UN Staff". VOA News. Associated Press. 25 March 2017. Archived from the original on 29 March 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  7. ^ "MONUSCO: Search continues for abducted UN experts in DR Congo". Africa Times. 14 March 2017. Archived from the original on 29 March 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  8. ^ Johnson, Marieke (21 December 2010). "Zaida Catalan – det blir svårt att uträtta något bra" [Zaida Catalan – it becomes difficult to accomplish anything well]. Jusektidningen (in Swedish). Archived from the original on 23 July 2014. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  9. ^ a b "Kasai unrest: UN experts found dead in DR Congo". BBC News. 28 March 2017. Archived from the original on 28 March 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  10. ^ a b "Congo finds Caucasian bodies where U.N. experts disappeared". CBS News. 28 March 2017. Archived from the original on 29 March 2017. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  11. ^ a b Leimbach, Dulcie (29 May 2019). "How Uruguayan Peacekeepers Found the Two Dead UN Experts in Congo in 2017". PassBlue. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  12. ^ "Bodies of two UN investigators found in Congo - govt". RTÉ. 28 March 2017. Archived from the original on 29 March 2017. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  13. ^ Reuters (25 April 2017). "UN 'utterly horrified' by video appearing to show murder of two experts in Congo". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  14. ^ AFP (24 April 2017). "Meurtre de deux experts de l'ONU: la RDC présente une vidéo" (in French). Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  15. ^ DRC Exclusive report Part 1: Kasai massacre villages await UN inquiry Archived 2018-07-13 at the Wayback Machine, Retrieved 05 June, 2018
  16. ^ For 2 Experts Killed in Congo, U.N. Provided Little Training and No Protection Archived 2017-05-22 at the Wayback Machine, Retrieved 05 August, 2017
  17. ^ RDC : arrestation de l’un des « acteurs principaux » soupçonné du meurtre des experts onusiens au Kasaï Archived 2018-04-25 at the Wayback Machine, Retrieved 24 April 2018
  18. ^ "Wallström kräver att mordet på Catalán klaras upp - DN.SE". Dagens Nyheter. 29 March 2017. Archived from the original on 29 March 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  19. ^ TT (28 March 2017). "Krav på att mordet på Catalán klaras upp". Svenska Dagbladet. Archived from the original on 28 March 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  20. ^ U.N. criticized for dangerous mission Archived 2017-06-21 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved May 21, 2017
  21. ^ New York Times opinion: U.N. Congo murder Archived 2017-05-24 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved May 27, 2017
  22. ^ "DR Congo issues death sentences for murder of UN experts". BBC News. 29 January 2022. Archived from the original on 30 January 2022. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  23. ^ "DRC: 51 people sentenced to death over 2017 murder of two UN experts | Democratic Republic of the Congo | The Guardian". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  24. ^ Ross, Aaron (30 January 2022). "Dozens sentenced to death over murders of U.N. experts in Congo". Reuters. Archived from the original on 30 January 2022. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  25. ^ "DR Congo court set for verdict in murder of UN experts". MSN News. Archived from the original on 30 January 2022. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  26. ^ Inauguración del Salón Zaida Catalán - Embajada de Chile en Suecia Archived 2020-09-20 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved June 5, 2018|(In Spanish)
  27. ^ Stipendium till minne av Zaida Catalán Archived 2020-09-20 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved June 5, 2018|(In Swedish)
  28. ^ "Scholarship in support of women, peace and security in memory of Zaida Catalán". FBA. Archived from the original on 31 January 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2022.

Further reading

[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Zaida_Catalán&oldid=1249533804"