Colombian President Walks Among Body Bags

President's First Body Bag Video

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella published a video on September 2, 2026, walking among 23 body bags after an operation against FARC dissidents.

“In total [...]: 23 terrorists killed. [...] Our determination to finish with you, you who are like cancer, is absolute!”

Second Body Bag Video

De la Espriella released another video two days later showing four body bags after an operation against ACSN leader, described as 'one of the country’s most dangerous criminals'.

“[Criminals] who don’t submit will end up like this, “the peace that this government believes in is the peace brought about by armed force, “he says.”

Hardline Presidential Campaign

De la Espriella, a far-right lawyer, promised to be uncompromising with armed groups, differing from previous left-wing government’s 'total peace' policy.

Human Rights Backlash

People’s Defender Iris Marin Ortiz criticized the videos, stating that walking among dead bodies is not acceptable and death should not be used to show authority.

“Our country has been locked for decades in cycles of armed conflicts and organised criminality. But I don’t recall having seen a president walk amongst the dead and be proud of these deaths.”

NGO Response

NGO Indepaz’s Juana Cabezas said displaying bodies dehumanizes people and legitimizes violence against them.

“When bodies are displayed like that, it dehumanises people. The bodies are being shown off. And there is a whole discourse legitimising the violence carried out against them.”

Temporary Video Removal

Bogota tribunal ordered the president’s videos taken down temporarily after complaints from the People’s Defender.

New Videos After Removal

De la Espriella published new videos walking among body bags after operations against ACSN and ELN on September 21 and October 25.

Prisoner Videos

De la Espriella shared videos of prisoners with faces uncovered, wrists and ankles bound, claiming they were '20 extremely dangerous criminals' being transferred.

“20 extremely dangerous criminals”

El Salvador Comparison

The prisoner videos resemble El Salvador’s president Nayib Bukele’s approach to gang violence, which has drawn human rights criticism.

Airstrike Videos

De la Espriella posted airstrikes videos similar to Trump administration’s Caribbean strikes, which killed over 240 people since September 2025.

False Positives Case

An 18-year-old day laborer, Ricardo Andrés Rodriguez Martinez, was killed during ACSN operations but claimed to be a civilian by his family.

“Abelardo, I condemn you! You killed my son unjustly!”

Family Video

The mother of Ricardo Andrés Rodriguez Martinez filmed a direct video address to the president, stating he killed her son unjustly.

“Abelardo, I condemn you! You killed my son unjustly!”

UN Criticism

The United Nations criticized De la Espriella’s budget prioritizing security over rural development and reintegration programs.

“The 2027 budget prioritises security while reducing the money allocated to institutions that work on rural development, land distribution and the reintegration of former combatants.”

NGO Analysis

Indepaz’s Juana Cabezas said military actions without addressing root causes lead to temporary results and increased violence.

“The communities emphasise that the military actions don’t address the root of the problem if they aren’t joined by an institutional response including education, health, respect for rights, etc.”