A teenager has been sentenced to seven years in a juvenile rehabilitation center for the assassination of Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay.
The 15-year-old was found guilty in connection with the shooting that ultimately led to the senator's death after more than two months in critical condition.
Teenager Sentenced for Assassination of Colombian Senator
Senator Uribe, a conservative politician and presidential hopeful, was shot on June 7 while speaking to supporters at a campaign event in Bogotá's Fontibón neighborhood. He sustained gunshot wounds to the head and leg during the attack.
Uribe underwent multiple surgeries but succumbed to his injuries on August 11, as confirmed by his wife, María Claudia Tarazona. She described her late husband as "the love of my life" and thanked him for being a great father to their children.
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The attacker, a 15-year-old boy, was arrested at the scene while attempting to flee. He was charged with attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm. In court, he pleaded not guilty but has now been sentenced to seven years under juvenile law. Authorities also arrested several individuals suspected of assisting in the attack.
The motive behind the assassination remains unclear. President Gustavo Petro suggested the involvement of an international criminal syndicate but did not provide further details. The shooting has sparked fear and widespread condemnation in Colombia, recalling violent times from the country's past when drug cartels and armed groups targeted politicians.
A Tragic Incident
Uribe was a prominent figure in Colombian politics, serving as a senator since 2022 and campaigning for his party's presidential nomination for the 2026 elections. He was known for his critical stance toward the current government and was seen as a rising star in the right-wing Democratic Center Party.
The assassination has prompted vigils and demonstrations across Colombia, with many citizens calling for peace and security. The Colombian Bishops' Conference expressed solidarity with Uribe's family, urging the nation to uphold peace and justice. Former president Álvaro Uribe, who is not related to the senator, condemned the killing as an attack on hope for Colombia's future.
Senator Uribe's tragic death marks a grim moment in Colombia's political history and underscores ongoing concerns about violence against public figures in the country.
