On the afternoon of Monday, October 13, two Venezuelan citizens were attacked in northern Bogotá. According to preliminary information, the two men were allegedly shot.
According to the Ombudsman's Office, Luis Alejando Peche, a Venezuelan citizen and political analyst, and Yendri Velásquez, a human rights defender, LGBTIQ+ activist, and asylum seeker in Colombia, were the victims of the attack.
Initial reports from authorities indicate that the two men were leaving their home in the Cedritos neighborhood of Usaquén, heading to catch public transportation, when they were shot in public.
The victims were immediately taken to the Reina Sofía Hospital for treatment of their gunshot wounds. So far, both men are known to be alive.
The National Police confirmed that the doctors on duty stated that both patients"are stable." However, human rights defender Yendri Omar Velásquez is expected to undergo surgery.
In response to the incident, the Ombudsman's Office condemned the attack against the Venezuelan activists."We condemn the attack that occurred today in northern Bogotá against two Venezuelan citizens, including Yendri Velásquez, a human rights defender, LGBTIQ+ activist, and asylum seeker in Colombia," the organization said in a statement.
We reject the attack that occurred today in northern Bogotá against two Venezuelan citizens, including Yendri Velásquez, a human rights defender, LGBTIQ+ activist and asylum seeker in Colombia.
— Defensoría del Pueblo (@DefensoriaCol) October 13, 2025
Yendri, like many other social leaders, has…
"Yendri, like many other social leaders, has turned to the Ombudsman's Office seeking assistance in processing her application for international protection, after having to flee her country of origin due to persecution stemming from her work defending human rights," she added.
To this end, and in order to find those responsible for this attack, the Ombudsman's Office urged the Attorney General's Office to"conduct a prompt and thorough investigation to clarify the facts and adopt urgent protective measures for the victims."
In addition, the need to protect Venezuelan leaders who arrive in Colombia seeking refuge from the difficult situation in their country was highlighted.
"The Venezuelan people deserve to live in peace and democracy. While in Colombian territory, migrants and refugees must have the support and guidance of the authorities to guarantee their rights," stated the Ombudsman's Office.
Similarly, the police confirmed that the victims"had no threats in Colombia."
According to authorities, both activists have been in Colombia since September 2024, having left their country due to political persecution. One of them had been captured and released with a safe passage permit. In fact, they were applying for citizenship.
Gina Romero, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Association and Assembly, also expressed her condemnation of the attack on social media.
"I receive with horror the information that Yendri Velásquez was the victim of an attack in Bogotá today and is receiving medical attention. Yendri had requested asylum in Colombia without response. Transnational repression must be condemned," Romero said.
