Army Denies Viral Imposter Posing as Soldier, Ex-President Petro Had Praised Him
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Colombia's National Army has officially denied a viral social media user impersonating a soldier.
- The individual, seen in military attire, was accused of spreading disinformation and misusing the institution's image.
- The denial followed a post by former President Gustavo Petro, who had thanked the supposed soldier.
The Colombian National Army has issued a formal statement to debunk a viral social media user who appeared in military uniform, allegedly to "spread disinformation." The Army stated that the individual "does not belong to the institution." This clarification came after former President Gustavo Petro shared a post on his official X account, expressing gratitude to the supposed soldier with the message: "Thank you soldier of Bolรญvar and of the people."
The Army's communication highlighted that a person is "impersonating a member of the National Army." Authorities indicated that the individual might be "using the institution's name and image to generate disinformation and engage in activities unrelated to the profession." Evidence is being collected from social media to address this case of alleged "falsity" regarding identity and improper use of the institution's image.
Furthermore, the Army reiterated to the public that the man seen in military attire on social media "does not represent the principles, values, or procedures that characterize our soldiers." The situation is developing as authorities investigate the misuse of institutional imagery and the spread of misinformation.
No pertenece a la instituciรณn
Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.