JORGE ELIECER GAITAN'S DEATH

What was 'El Bogotazo', origin of  'La Violencia' in Colombia?

    The assassination of the liberal politician and candidate for the Presidency of Colombia Jorge Eliécer Gaitán on April 9, 1948 was the trigger for the stage known as 'El Bogotazo'. This was called the episode of violent protests, disorders and repression in the center of Bogotá for the killing of Gaitán. 'El Bogotazo' was one of the first violent acts of the time known as 'La Violencia', a Colombian historical period of the 20th century in which there were clashes between supporters of the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party, characterized by extreme violence, which included assassinations, aggressions, persecutions, destruction of private property and terrorism due to political alignment.

Colombian conservatism, which did not work precisely to bring democracy to the country, saw Gaitán as a clear threat, so finally, on April 9 of that same year, the liberal leader received three shots that would end his life.

The crowd that witnessed what happened was in search of the alleged murderer, Juan Roa Sierra, beat him to death and dragged him to the Palace of Nariño, where they left his naked body.

"YO NO SOY UN HOMBRE, YO SOY UN PUEBLO".

Inside The Americas - Jorge Eliecer Gaitan

                                                            Video tomado Telesur English