started · updated
Colombia National Museum: Judge orders preservation of removed works
A judge in Bogotá has issued provisional measures to preserve dozens of artworks removed from the National Museum of Colombia following orders from President Abelardo de la Espriella. The President initiated the removals as part of a “cultural counter-revolution” to combat “wokism” and what he described as an “ode to terrorism.”
At least 30 pieces were taken from museum galleries, including items related to the 2016 Peace Agreement with the FARC, LGBTQIA+ rights, feminism, and the history of political violence involving groups like the Unión Patriótica and M-19. Specific items mentioned include the “Balígrafo” used to sign the peace deal and campaign materials for assassinated presidential candidates Carlos Pizarro and Bernardo Jaramillo Ossa.
The removals have sparked widespread protests in Bogotá, which were met by police using water cannons, tear gas, and stun grenades. Cultural organizations and several modern art museums have issued statements condemning the move as ideological censorship. In response to the controversy, Congresswoman Jennifer Pedraza announced plans to summon Culture Minister Paola Holguín to a political control debate, while the Ombudsman’s office criticized the police response as disproportionate.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Bogotá · Jennifer Pedraza · Lucho Herrera · Ministry of Culture · Museo Nacional de Colombia · National Museum of Colombia · National Museum of Colombia · Paola Holguín · Unidad Nacional Antidisturbios
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 8 SOURCES] President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered the removal of works to combat 'wokism' and what he termed an 'ode to terrorism'. elineanoticias.com · www.dnamagazine.com.au · elfrente.com.co · www.boyacadigital.com · laopinion.co · +2 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Minister Paola Holguín defended the removals, stating museums should not serve as instruments of political indoctrination. elineanoticias.com · oncenoticias.digital · www.dnamagazine.com.au
- [● 9 SOURCES] The government removed at least 30 pieces from the National Museum of Colombia. uruguayaldia.com.uy · bogotailustrada.com · www.dnamagazine.com.au · oncenoticias.digital · www.boyacadigital.com · +4 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] Police forces used water cannons, tear gas, and stun grenades to disperse protesters in Bogotá. uruguayaldia.com.uy · www.cablenoticias.com · www.dnamagazine.com.au · elnuevodiario.com.do · www.indiavision.com · +3 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Museum staff stated the removals should have gone through curatorial committees. www.dnamagazine.com.au · www.boyacadigital.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A judge ordered the preservation of the removed works and demanded a report on their location. www.elnuevodia.com.co · www.boyacadigital.com · www.lasillavacia.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Congresswoman Jennifer Pedraza announced she will summon the Minister of Culture to a political control debate. laopinion.co · bogotailustrada.com
- [● 11 SOURCES] Removed items include pieces related to the 2016 Peace Agreement, LGBTQIA+ rights, and feminism. bogotailustrada.com · www.dnamagazine.com.au · oncenoticias.digital · www.boyacadigital.com · uruguayaldia.com.uy · +5 more