A judge in Colombia has sentenced 10 soldiers to 30 years in prison for murdering civilians and passing them off as rebels killed in combat.

The soldiers killed two restaurant workers in 2006 and pretended they were rebel casualties.

The sentences of 30 years were for the soldiers who actually carried out the murders of two young men in a town some four hours from Medellin.

The two men were presented as rebels killed in combat.

The lesser sentences were for the soldiers who helped cover up the murders.

The Attorney-General's office is negotiating more than 1,000 cases.

- BBC