Colombia's Ombudsman criticizes use of deceased combatants' images

The Colombian Ombudsman's Office (Defensoría del Pueblo) has criticized the use of images showing the bodies of deceased individuals during military operations, specifically referencing Operation Azarías in Guaviare and La Guajira. The institution addressed footage featuring President Abelardo de la Espriella walking among bags containing the bodies of alleged FARC dissidents and other armed group members.

The Ombudsman stated that the State must maintain limits in its actions, even when militarily confronting illegal armed groups, and emphasized that human dignity must be respected even after death. The institution argued that the legitimacy of the State depends on upholding principles and human rights, asserting that the government should not engage in a competition to demonstrate cruelty.

Additional commentary highlighted historical tensions regarding the conduct of the Colombian National Army and the importance of institutional sovereignty and constitutional order, noting past controversies involving military leadership and the treatment of combatants.