Donovan Balanta death triggers police investigation in Colombia

Authorities are investigating the death of Donovan Balanta Paz, a 34-year-old Afro-descendant man who died on September 20 following a police intervention in the Caracolí sector, near the border of Bogotá and Soacha.

According to police reports, officers responded to a fight and used an electronic immobilization device, such as a taser, during the procedure. Balanta was subsequently transported to the Cazucá police station, where he reportedly lost consciousness and was later moved to a hospital, where he passed away. While the police state that medical protocols were activated, Balanta’s family alleges he was subjected to physical blows and electric shocks while already restrained.

In response, the Colombian National Police have opened a disciplinary investigation and temporarily suspended seven officers involved. Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán has called for a full clarification of the events, stating that while he supports police authority, any abuse of power must be sanctioned. Additionally, the United Nations Office in Colombia and the Defensoría del Pueblo have called for an exhaustive and independent investigation to determine responsibility and assess whether racial profiling or discrimination occurred during the incident.