Colombian President Gustavo Petro files defamation suits and battles Medellín mayor over mural

Outgoing President Gustavo Petro announced on July 6 that he will file civil lawsuits for defamation and injury against anyone he says has slandered him, his family or the progressive movement. He claimed his 83‑year‑old mother Clara Urrego was insulted in Cajicá and his 92‑year‑old father Gustavo Petro Sierra faced a protest outside his Bogotá apartment, demanding police release video evidence of the incidents.

Petro also entered a heated exchange on X with Medellín mayor Federico Gutiérrez after a mural painted on Avenida Ferrocarril y San Juan sparked controversy and a disciplinary investigation. Petro defended the artwork, calling the mayor “Alcalde del fascio de Medellín, pintar arte no es vandalismo,” and accused Gutiérrez of censoring art and misusing public funds to target opponents. Gutiérrez replied, “Petro, estás loco de remate…”, reminding Petro of his remaining days in office. Petro characterized the national climate as “fascism” and said his strategy would rely on legal actions, including a potential nullification of the election.