Petro is strongly criticized by the USA and opposition after attack against Uribe

Petro made a 40 -minute statement at the beginning of the dawn (Brasília time) at the presidential palace, surrounded by government members and broadcast on video. His speech was quite disapproved of opposition politicians, especially an excerpt in which he talks about preserving the life of the 15 -year -old -fired boy as author of the shots that hit Uribe. Colombian legislation establishes criminal liability from 14 years. However, deprivation of liberty occurs only over 16 years old, except in cases of willful homicide, kidnapping and extortion.

The first thing we defend is life itself. The life of the victim, who is in good hands, in which we trust, and the life of the killer, who is a minor, a boy. Laws and norms force us to protect the boy for being a boy, because if we do not take care of the boys of the homeland, we will not have homeland.
Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia

Former Education Minister and presidential candidate Alejandro Gaviria expressed repudiation of the speech. He said it was “an indolent, meaningless, unworthy message from a president or any political leader.” “It causes anger and dismay,” he said.

Investigations and reward

Petro moved at least 100 professionals from “all intelligences” to investigate who ordered the attack on Uribeaccording to AFP. “No feature should be spared, not a single weight or a single moment of energy to find the brain. Wherever they live, whether in Colombia or abroad,” said the president.

A reward of 3 billion Colombian pesos (about $ 4 million) was also offered in exchange for information about those responsible for the attack. The measure was carried out by the Minister of Defense of Colombia, Pedro Santos.