ICYMI: On Thursday (Jan 8, 2026), Colombian authorities detained Jorge Anibal Visbal Martelo – former senator and leader of the Colombian Federation of Livestock Farmers – for alleged links to paramilitary groups.
He is accused of collaborating with armed factions outside the official military, blamed for forced displacement and other abuses during Colombia's decades-long conflict. Paramilitaries are groups that operate outside state forces and often engage in illegal activities.
This move is part of Colombia's push to hold powerful figures accountable for past violence. It resonates with justice campaigns in South and Southeast Asia – like student-led rallies in India or demands for truth commissions in the Philippines. 🌏✨
Social media is buzzing with hashtags like #JusticeForColombia and #AccountabilityNow, showing how online activism can drive real-world change. Whether you're tweeting or joining on-the-ground protests, collective action matters. 💪
Next up: prosecutors will decide on formal charges soon. For now, the arrest is a reminder that no one is above the law and that regional solidarity can fuel impactful change. Stay tuned for updates! 🔍
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Former Colombian senator arrested for links to paramilitary groups
cgtn.com
