Colombia prepares anti-terrorism statute to combat armed groups

The Colombian government is developing an “anti-terrorism statute” designed to strengthen the state's ability to combat armed groups. Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara announced the initiative before Congress, stating that the project will establish an official list of organizations classified as terrorists.

The proposed statute would implement special criminal and penitentiary regimes for these organizations, alongside specific mechanisms to target their illicit revenue sources. Additionally, the government plans to enhance state intelligence capabilities to prevent attacks and create “special bodies” within the justice system to handle cases involving these groups.

The Ministry of the Interior confirmed that the project is currently being drafted, and no specific groups have been named for the potential list. A definitive text and a date for submission to Congress have not yet been established. The initiative draws parallels to a 2003 legislative reform during the administration of Álvaro Uribe, which sought to expand state powers in counter-terrorism efforts.