Gustavo Petro condemns death of Donovan Balanta Paz during police operation

Former Colombian President Gustavo Petro has labeled the death of Donovan Balanta Paz an “murder” following a police operation in the Caracolí sector, near the border of Ciudad Bolívar and Soacha. Petro visited the site where the incident occurred on September 20, alleging that the confrontation began after a police officer made racist remarks toward a woman.

According to Petro, Balanta was dragged through the streets and subjected to a Taser device until he died. He noted that Bogotá police security cameras in the area may contain footage crucial to the investigation. Petro has called for the Prosecutor's Office to investigate immediately and urged youth organizations to organize a march in Bogotá to advocate for the respect of ethnic minorities.

The National Police confirmed that a Taser was used during the procedure and have launched a disciplinary investigation. As part of the process, seven officers involved in the operation have been temporarily suspended from their duties to facilitate the inquiry and determine responsibility.