The Colombian candidate filed a legal action against the decision that ordered him to remove national symbols from his electoral campaign and announced actions against the magistrate who issued the measure
The candidate also announced legal actions against magistrate Rafael Albeiro Chavarro, the author of the resolution, stating that the measure constitutes an undue intervention in the democratic process just days before the presidential runoff. According to the campaign, the ruling affects political freedom of expression and sets a concerning precedent for future elections.
The Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo De La Espriella filed a tutela action against the judicial decision that ordered the removal of national symbols from his campaign, including the national flag, the coat of arms of Colombia, and references associated with the Armed Forces. He also announced that he will report the magistrate responsible for the ruling, considering that the measure constitutes a violation of his political rights.
The controversy began when the Superior Court of Bogotá ordered the removal of all electoral propaganda that used national symbols, as well as the slogan "Firmes por la Patria" and references to the movement "Defensores de la Patria", a political group that supports De La Espriella's candidacy. The decision gave the campaign a deadline of 24 hours to eliminate such material from social media, media outlets, and other dissemination platforms.
De La Espriella rejected the ruling and argued that it is an unprecedented decision that seeks to limit the expression of patriotic values during the electoral campaign. His supporters argue that loving, defending, and representing the nation cannot become prohibited conduct for a presidential candidate.
The judicial decision adds to another recent controversy in which a judge ordered De La Espriella to stop using the official jersey of the Colombian national team as an element of electoral propaganda. Both resolutions have been interpreted by his supporters as attempts to restrict symbols associated with Colombian patriotism within the campaign.
The case has generated intense political and legal debate in Colombia, where several sectors believe that the measure constitutes an excessive limitation on political activity and the right of candidates to express their vision of the country.
With the runoff approaching, the dispute promises to become one of the central themes in the final stretch of the presidential campaign, in an election marked by strong polarization and an increasing judicialization of the political contest.
