Political violence returns to the scene
Two months before the elections, Colombia wakes up with news that we thought was over. The opposition reported a death threat against Paloma Valencia, conservative candidate. A funeral wreath with his image circulating on social networks.
Former President Álvaro Uribe, leader of the Democratic Center, was the one who raised the alert. He published a call on social networks to “take care of Paloma” along with the disturbing image. Valencia herself also reported acts of vandalism against her party headquarters in Bucaramanga.
The official reactions
The Minister of Defense, Pedro Sánchez, responded quickly. He wrote on networks that “whoever threatens a candidate, threatens democracy.” He assured that they have already deployed the Public Force to protect all the applicants.
“We will not tolerate it”
Sánchez even offered a reward for information that prevents attacks. Meanwhile, the Ombudsman’s Office asked the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate expeditiously and determine risks to Valencia’s life.
Defender Iris Marín publicly rejected the threats. He applauded that the government and other sectors seek to guarantee a “free and peaceful” process.
What is notable is that the convictions crossed partisan lines. Iván Cepeda, of the ruling Historical Pact, condemned “any form of aggression against my adversaries.” Abelardo de la Espriella, another opposition candidate, expressed solidarity with Valencia.
A familiar ghost
This hurts more because it’s not something new. Last year, legislator Miguel Uribe Turbay was assassinated at a political event. It belonged to the same party as Valencia. The Prosecutor’s Office said that dissidents from the extinct FARC ordered the attack.
And they are not isolated cases. Congressional candidates such as María Bolívar Maury and Mauricio Martínez recently reported frustrated attacks. In February, indigenous senator Aida Quilcué was kidnapped and later released.
Colombia votes on May 31 to elect Gustavo Petro’s successor. But today the question is not who will win, but whether they will be able to vote without fear. Political violence remains a long shadow over this democracy.
