Political tensions erupt in Colombia after assassination attempt on opposition leader
Hundreds of demonstrators wearing white shirts and waving white flags marched throughout Colombia on Sunday, June 8, to denounce violence and show solidarity with right-wing lawmaker and potential 2026 presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay, 39, who was attacked on Saturday in the Colombian capital.
At dusk, dozens of supporters continued to pray for his speedy recovery outside the Santa Fe Clinic in northern Bogotá. "Out with Petro!" some protesters occasionally chanted. The right accused left-wing President Gustavo Petro of inciting hatred in the country and leading Colombia to disaster, arguing he was indirectly responsible for the attack.
Turbay remained in intensive care on Sunday evening after undergoing an initial surgery. His condition was still described as "very critical," according to a statement from the clinic's medical team. "Miguel is still fighting hard for his life, and I ask each of you to continue to pray fervently," said his wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona.
The assassination attempt comes one year before the May 2026 presidential election, which has already gripped attention and heightened tensions among political leaders. Turbay is seeking the nomination of his party, the far-right Democratic Centre (CD), founded by former President Alvaro Uribe (2002-2010). The two men are not related.
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LeMonde
a day ago
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Political tensions erupt in Colombia after assassination attempt on opposition leader
Hundreds of demonstrators wearing white shirts and waving white flags marched throughout Colombia on Sunday, June 8, to denounce violence and show solidarity with right-wing lawmaker and potential 2026 presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay, 39, who was attacked on Saturday in the Colombian capital. At dusk, dozens of supporters continued to pray for his speedy recovery outside the Santa Fe Clinic in northern Bogotá. "Out with Petro!" some protesters occasionally chanted. The right accused left-wing President Gustavo Petro of inciting hatred in the country and leading Colombia to disaster, arguing he was indirectly responsible for the attack. Turbay remained in intensive care on Sunday evening after undergoing an initial surgery. His condition was still described as "very critical," according to a statement from the clinic's medical team. "Miguel is still fighting hard for his life, and I ask each of you to continue to pray fervently," said his wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona. The assassination attempt comes one year before the May 2026 presidential election, which has already gripped attention and heightened tensions among political leaders. Turbay is seeking the nomination of his party, the far-right Democratic Centre (CD), founded by former President Alvaro Uribe (2002-2010). The two men are not related.
