Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella Sparks Controversy After Posting Video of Dead Combatants

Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella published a video on the social media platform X showing himself among the bodies of members of armed groups following a military operation. The president used the footage to celebrate the success of the state's security forces and to warn other criminal groups that they must either submit to justice or face the full force of the state. The operation resulted in the death of Naín Andrés Pérez Toncel, known as Bendito Mentor, who was identified as a leader of the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada. Other reports indicate the president also highlighted a separate bombardment in the Guaviare department that killed 23 suspected criminals.

The publication has triggered a sharp divide in Colombia. Opponents and human rights advocates argue that the public display of corpses violates International Humanitarian Law by treating the dead in a degrading manner for propaganda purposes. Senator Iván Cepeda described the president as unscrupulous and lacking humanity. Conversely, supporters of the government argue that the images serve as a strategic deterrent and show explicit support for security forces. They contend that the real dehumanization is carried out by the armed groups through kidnapping and massacre.

This approach aligns with De La Espriella's campaign promises to abandon the peace policies of the previous administration under Gustavo Petro. Since taking office, the president has suspended peace negotiations and declared war on the ELN, FARC dissidents, and drug trafficking gangs.