Armando Benedetti on the threat against Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán: "It must be taken seriously."

During the fourth meeting of the Committee for Coordination and Recommendations for Protective Measures in the Electoral Process (CORMPE) , Interior Minister Armando Benedetti addressed the threat against Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán.
The head of the ministry asserted that any threat must be treated with caution and due regard for the seriousness of the matter.
“ Any alert that endangers, or suggests endangering, the life of any official , leader, or any person in this country must be taken with great attention and concern,” Benedetti said.

Minister Armando Benedetti stated that they are on high alert. Photo: X Armando Benedetti
He also referred to the idea of strengthening the district leader's security: "He has his own security detail, and the police have been very vigilant about him; in addition, all agencies are activated to protect him , and everyone is on high alert."
Mayor Galán himself confirmed this Tuesday that he had been aware of this information for several weeks. " It was presented to me by the Prosecutor's Office and the Police, because they are the ones in charge of evaluating it and determining the basis for this information," he said.
The Committee's conclusions Minister Benedetti, along with the National Protection Unit (UNP), the Armed Forces, and the National Police, evaluated the progress, challenges, and measures adopted regarding candidate protection, the identification of regionalized risks, and preventive actions against potential disruptions to public order during the electoral process.

Committee for Coordination and Recommendations on Protective Measures in the Electoral Process. Photo: Ministry of the Interior
"This meeting, which some may view as routine, is actually of enormous importance. The safety and lives of several people aspiring to the Presidency of the Republic are being assessed here. The recent incident involving Senator Miguel Uribe, whom we wish a speedy recovery, has put us all on alert," Benedetti stated upon leaving the committee.
The head of the Ministry asserted that the electoral process is not limited solely to campaigning, but also encompasses guarantees, human rights, and freedom of the press.
The Minister of the Interior announced that, in coordination with the National Police and the National Unity Party (UNP), measures are being strengthened to protect the candidates. These include armored vehicles, vests, armed personnel, and specialized surveillance.

Committee for Coordination and Recommendations on Protective Measures in the Electoral Process. Photo: Ministry of the Interior
"There will always be additional measures to be taken. We are working with the police and the director of the UNP regarding armored vehicles, vests, authorized personnel, and weapons. This is a huge effort, both from a personnel and financial perspective," he noted.
Regarding the relationship with the pre-candidates and the political parties, he stated: "To take these types of measures, what's needed is the expertise of the Police and the UNP, beyond public relations with the candidates. I don't have to receive a smile or give a smile to any presidential candidate to know whether they're well protected or not."
Maria Alejandra Gonzalez Duarte
eltiempo