Violent attacks on Colombian community leader and threats to Medellín councilors

Mónica Eugenia Sánchez, a 54‑year‑old community activist known as “Concejala 14,” was found shot dead inside her home in the Los Almendros neighbourhood of Santa Bárbara, Antioquia. Authorities have opened an investigation but have not yet identified a motive or suspects.

In Medellín, four councilors – Alejandro de Bedout, Claudia Carrasquilla, Andrés Felipe Rodríguez and Andrés Tobón – reported receiving new death threats allegedly from armed groups operating in the Valle de Aburrá and from imprisoned gang leaders. The city’s Personería has called for urgent protection measures, criticizing the national government for not providing security guarantees through the Unidad Nacional de Protección (UNP). Mayor Federico Gutiérrez echoed these concerns, accusing the Petro administration of neglecting the safety of democratic opponents.