Arrest of Alleged Mastermind in Attack on Conservative Colombian Senator Highlights Enduring Threats to Political Freedom

On June 7th, conservative Colombian senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay was violently attacked during a public speech in Bogota. Nearly a month later, law enforcement authorities announced the arrest of Elder José Arteaga Hernández, known by aliases "Chipi" and "Costeño," accused as the mastermind behind this brazen daylight shooting. This arrest brings into sharp relief the dangerous environment faced by vocal critics of left-wing regimes like President Gustavo Petro’s government. Uribe has been one of Petro’s most outspoken opponents from the Senate chamber, advocating for conservative values and national sovereignty amid increasing threats to political freedom. Arteaga is...