Investigation into Colombian police death of Donovan Balanta

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

Former President Gustavo Petro has characterized the incident as a ‘murder,’ alleging that the confrontation was sparked by a police officer making racist remarks toward a woman and that Balanta was subjected to a Taser and dragged through the streets. While the National Police confirmed the use of an electronic immobilization device and have temporarily suspended seven officers pending a disciplinary inquiry, Balanta’s family maintains he was subjected to physical blows and electric shocks while restrained.

Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán has called for a full clarification of the events, emphasizing that any abuse of power must be sanctioned. Additionally, the United Nations Office in Colombia and the Defensoría del Pueblo have requested an exhaustive and independent investigation to determine responsibility and assess whether racial profiling or discrimination occurred during the intervention.