Teen in Colombia accused of trying to murder candidate

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    In Bogota, Colombia, a 15-year-old was formally charged with attempted murder following the shooting of Miguel Uribe, a conservative presidential hopeful. Uribe, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head during an event in the Modelia neighborhood, is currently in critical condition.

    Authorities reported that the teenager was apprehended attempting to escape the scene armed, although his identity remains undisclosed. He has submitted a plea of not guilty and is presently recovering from leg injuries in a medical facility. Once discharged, he is set to be transferred to a juvenile detention center, where he could face a sentence of up to eight years.

    The Defense Ministry of Colombia continues its inquiry into potential masterminds behind the attack on the 39-year-old senator Uribe, who is known as a prominent figure within the country’s opposition circles. The use of minors by armed factions for executions and illicit activities remains a concerning trend due to the relatively light legal repercussions they encounter.

    The attack on Uribe has sparked widespread criticism, reflecting unease about the deteriorating security climate within Colombia. Uribe’s familial history intertwines with national politics; his maternal grandfather held the presidency, and his mother, Diana Turbay, a well-known journalist, was killed following an abduction by the Medellin Cartel in 1991.

    In response to the incident, opposition parties have called for enhanced security provisions. Further, they’ve urged President Gustavo Petro to adopt a more conciliatory approach, as the nation anticipates a pivotal election period next year. Although President Petro condemned the attack, he habitually characterizes opposition leaders in derogatory terms during his public addresses and online communications.

    Outside the hospital where her husband is receiving treatment, María Claudia Tarazona, Uribe’s spouse, appealed for peace and collective healing, emphasizing unity across political divides and regions. She expressed hope for her husband’s recovery, describing him as a “warrior who is fighting for his life.”