Event Summary
On 18 November 2025, the Council of State ruled that President Gustavo Petro and Interior Minister Armando Benedetti must retract public statements accusing Jorge Armando Bohórquez, the representative of Ocaña (Norte de Santander), of alleged links to the ELN. The decision responds to a tutela filed in July 2025, after Bohórquez sought protection due to threats against his life and family following these accusations.
This ruling carries broader implications. President Petro has previously made similar accusations, such as referring to journalists as “mafia dolls,” a case in which the Constitutional Court also ordered a retraction. Such statements from the head of state contribute to harmful narratives that stigmatize human rights defenders—like the personero—and distort reality by associating political opponents with armed groups, undermining their legitimacy in public discourse.
By requiring a retraction, the Council of State helps restore the reputation of those committed to defending communities and promotes a healthier democratic environment. Accusations without evidence erode trust in institutions, foster stigmatization of local officials, and weaken dialogue between civil society and government authorities. This ruling reinforces that even the highest offices of the State must exercise responsibility in public statements, thereby strengthening accountability and improving the enabling environment for human rights work.