Bogotá, Colombia – Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the August 11th assassination of former Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay in Bogotá, authorities announced Monday. The arrests include individuals believed to be both directly involved in the shooting and those who allegedly orchestrated the attack. All suspects have maintained their innocence.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro addressed the nation, stating, “Revenge is not the path for Colombia. We have endured decades of violence fueled by retribution. We must break that cycle.”
“Miguel’s death is a profound loss, felt deeply as if it were a personal one,” Petro continued. “Every Colombian life lost represents a defeat for our nation and for the vrey principle of life itself.”
President Petro revealed in a CNN interview in June that the investigation was focusing on a criminal network operating outside of Bogotá. This network allegedly contracted two underage individuals with weapons training to carry out the assassination. On Monday, Petro indicated the investigation had uncovered a different trajectory than initially suspected, though he refrained from providing specific details. The initial focus had been on potential connections to political rivals, a line of inquiry Petro suggested was premature.
“the government unequivocally condemns all crime and prioritizes the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation,” Petro stated. “We have not, and will not, engage in the persecution of any member of the opposition.” Uribe turbay, 79, was shot and killed while dining at a restaurant in the north of Bogotá. he served as a Senator from 2018 until his death and was a prominent figure in the Centro Democrático party.
