President Abelardo De La Espriella Orders Transfer of 117 High Profile Prisoners

President Abelardo De La Espriella has ordered the transfer of 117 high profile prisoners linked to peace negotiations to high security penitentiaries. The measure, announced via Presidential Communiqué 001, marks the first formal decision of the new government. The prisoners were relocated to facilities in Bogotá, Medellín, Girón, Valledupar, La Dorada, Palmira, Ibagué, and El Barne. A significant portion of the operation took place in Antioquia, where 103 leaders of criminal structures in Medellín, the Valle de Aburrá, and eastern Antioquia were moved from La Paz prison in Itagüí. Governor Andrés Julián Rendón confirmed the transfer of individuals including alias Carlos Pesebre, Douglas, and El Indio. Mayor Federico Gutiérrez stated that criminals should not have special conditions or benefits. During his inauguration speech on August 7, President De La Espriella declared that the option for dialogue is completely exhausted, signaling a definitive break from the total peace policy of the Gustavo Petro administration. He further announced plans to build megaprisons and publish a list of narcoterrorist groups. Meanwhile, the urban peace delegation, which has worked with structures in Medellín and the Valle de Aburrá since 2023, has expressed concern that progress made toward urban peace could be lost.