On August 13, the funeral of former presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was held after he was assassinated in Bogotá after being shot three times; two in the head and one in the leg in a hitman attack that occurred in the west of the city.
Since the 11th of the same month, not only the capital has been in mourning, but so has the rest of the country. For three days, various ceremonies and formal events were held to bid farewell to the 39-year-old senator from the Democratic Center.
Family, friends, and politicians were present during the days of mourning for the assassination of the Colombian politician, who was hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Santa Fe Foundation and lost his life two months later.
Throughout Wednesday, August 13, various speeches calling for unity and calls for justice were heard. María Claudia Tarazona, wife of Senator Miguel Uribe, also spoke on the final day of the state vigil at the National Capitol. The father of presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Londoño also offered a few words during the homily.
Miguel's father maintained that there are those responsible for the war that took his son, as well as his wife Diana Turbay. However, he avoided pointing the finger directly, although Uribe supporters have accused President Gustavo Petro due to his repeated criticism of the congressman and his family.
"The war that Miguel warned us about in each and every one of his speeches and that we didn't want to return, came back and knocked on my family's door again. First, taking the life of my wife and now that of my son. Like our family, millions of our compatriots will have to carry that profound pain for the rest of our lives," he noted in his speech.
Uribe Londoño also indicated that his son's death was not just a consequence of a widespread conflict, but that there are specific people responsible. Although he did not name them, his speech suggested a direct accusation against those who, in his opinion, allow or encourage violence in the country:"This war has those responsible and guilty. We know it. We have no doubt where the violence comes from. We have no doubt who is promoting it. We have no doubt who allows it. We have to stand up to this and say no more."
He also urged an end to the chaotic situation in Colombia and stated that the solution to this crisis lies in the 2026 presidential elections.
"They silenced Miguel, but they will not be able to silence the voices of millions of Colombians crying out for change. We have a unique opportunity to stop this madness in 2026, let's not waste it. Only then will this cause have meaning. They assassinated Miguel, but they will never be able to assassinate his purpose. Ideas are indestructible, but they need to be materialized to change the history of a country," said Uribe Londoño. Miguel Uribe Londoño spoke of the role his son played in the Democratic Center and the admiration he had for former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez. He also sent him a message inviting him to honor Miguel Uribe Turbay's wishes.
“It is no coincidence that this terrorist attack, an assassination that constitutes a crime against humanity, occurred just as Miguel was raising his flag of struggle for a Colombia that has security again, because only with security will we have peace,” he said.
And he concluded: “This country will never emerge from where it is without security. A Colombia at peace for all Colombians. That must be our fight. The time is now. Let us organize with vigor and absolute determination that cause and in the coming months let us choose and defend the unquestionable triumph of that leadership, which takes up the banners of Miguel so that Colombia returns to security.”
