All Armed Groups Are Terrorist: Colombia Prepares New Security Legislation

Colombia’s new right-wing government is moving toward tougher measures against armed groups, drug traffickers, and criminal organizations by drafting legislation that would allow such groups to be officially classified as « terrorist ».

The government announced on Tuesday that the proposed legislation would be submitted to Congress for debate, at a time when the country is facing its highest levels of violence in a decade.

New Legislation Before Congress

Colombian Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara told Bogotá-based radio station « Blu Radio » that the proposed legislation would first define « what constitutes a terrorist organization » before drawing up a list of groups to be included in that category.

The minister did not disclose the names of the criminal organizations that could be covered by the designation, but he suggested that groups allegedly responsible for the recent forest fires could be included.

The fires have consumed at least 20,000 hectares in western Colombia, while the Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the possibility that « deliberate acts » may have caused them, according to a source cited by Agence France-Presse on Monday.

Tougher Security Measures Against Armed Groups

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who is supported by the United States, took office earlier in August after pledging to take firm action against armed groups.

His hard-line security rhetoric resonated with voters and contributed to his electoral victory, at a time when Colombia is experiencing its highest level of violence in ten years.

De la Espriella said in a statement: « All armed groups are terrorist, and we will deal with them accordingly. »