Colombian President Gustavo Petro hit back at the U.S. after they revoked his visa, taking to social media to declare, “I don’t need it.” 🎤🔥 The move comes after his vocal support for Palestinian protesters and a harsh critique of U.S. policy on Gaza.
In a bold post, Petro stressed that freedom of speech is non-negotiable — “We cannot criminalize the right to speak up.” He also condemned Washington’s stance on Gaza, warning that “killing innocent babies will not make America great.” These words echoed online solidarity campaigns we’ve seen across South and Southeast Asia, from campus sit-ins in New Delhi to digital rallies in Bangkok, where young people champion human rights and global justice. 🌏✊
The U.S. State Department explained the visa pull was a response to what it called Petro’s “reckless and incendiary actions.” This refers to his appearance at a pro-Palestinian protest in New York, where he urged U.S. soldiers to “obey humanity rather than Trump’s orders.”
This spat over a piece of paper (aka a visa) might seem small, but it highlights the growing power of social media and global activism. For many of us scrolling through feeds in Dhaka or Kuala Lumpur, it’s a reminder: voices matter, borders are just lines on a map, and even presidents can go viral for standing up to superpowers. 📱💥
What do you think? Is this a right move for Petro or unnecessary drama? Share your thoughts and tag a friend who’d love this global mic-drop moment! 👇
Reference(s):
Colombian president responds to U.S. visa revocation: 'I don't need it'
cgtn.com
