Urgent: Venezuelan Activists Shot in Targeted Attack in Bogotá
BREAKING: Two Venezuelan activists were shot and wounded in a targeted attack in Bogotá, Colombia, just past noon today. Colombian police confirmed that Yendri Omar Velásquez Rodríguez and Luis Alejandro Peche Arteaga, both living in Colombia for the past year, were ambushed by two unidentified assailants as they exited a building on the north side of the city.
Both men are currently in stable condition at a local hospital, according to police reports. The Colombian Ombudsman’s office has condemned this violent act and has urged the Attorney General’s office to launch a thorough investigation. This incident raises significant concerns about the safety of Venezuelan migrants in Colombia.
Velásquez Rodríguez, the founder of the Venezuelan Observatory of LGBTQ+ Violence, fled Venezuela last year due to political persecution. In a troubling incident in August 2024, he was detained at Venezuela’s main international airport while en route to a rights defense event in Switzerland. His passport was revoked, and he was held for approximately six hours amid growing unrest following President Nicolás Maduro’s controversial reelection, which sparked nationwide protests resulting in over 20 deaths.
Peche Arteaga, a political analyst with experience advising various political entities, served as an adviser to Venezuela’s National Assembly in 2017 and 2018. His involvement in political analysis and activism has made him a prominent figure among Venezuelan exiles.
The attack on these activists highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Venezuelan migrants in Colombia. The Ombudsman’s office stated, “The Venezuelan people deserve to live in peace and democracy,” emphasizing the need for protective measures for migrants by Colombian authorities.
As investigations unfold, the community remains on edge, demanding justice and safety for those who have fled political violence. This assault not only reflects the dangers Venezuelans face abroad but also serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing crisis in their home country.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as authorities work to identify the attackers and ensure the safety of activists in Colombia.
