The Colombian president Abelardo de la Espriella presented a video on social media showing a successful military operation, in which he showcases the corpses of presumed rebels. He described the action as a ‘lethal strike’ against the territorial control of criminal groups.
In the video, De la Espriella is seen dressed in military uniform, surrounded by officers, next to white bags that reportedly contain the bodies of guerrilla fighters. This visual representation is viewed as part of a trend in Latin America where leaders use images of criminals to emphasize law enforcement and order.
Experts warn that these images reflect a shift in politics, where those labeled as terrorists are treated as enemies who do not deserve legal protections. This tactic has been observed in other countries in the region, as demonstrated by the security policy of El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, which includes publishing videos of prisoners.
The situation in Colombia grows delicate due to its history of violence and human rights scandals, such as the ‘false positives,’ where military personnel killed civilians, passing them off as guerrillas. The memory of these events still weighs on Colombian society.
De la Espriella, who is a right-wing politician supported by former President Donald Trump, stated that 23 people had died and six had been captured during the operation, including a rebel leader known as ‘Tigre.’ It was alleged that this group had recruited children and attacked armed forces during the elections.
Experts assert that the intention behind these images is to demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach towards criminals. This presentation, however, could indicate a return to earlier times of widespread violence, sending a contradictory message to communities that have endured decades of conflict.
Although a peace agreement was reached in 2016 with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), dissident groups continue to operate in the country. The president’s display of these bodies marks a difference in the post-peace agreement narrative, a concerning issue for those advocating for human rights and due process.
Source: www.infobae.com
