Colombian authorities condemn murder of young human rights lawyer

Colombian human rights defenders are reeling after the brazen assassination of lawyer Steven Portillo Gómez in Manizales. Portillo, 30, who worked for the Defensoría del Pueblo in the Caldas region, was shot and killed by assailants on a motorcycle on Sunday. His death comes after he had received threats in recent days, according to the Institute of Studies for the Development of Peace (Indepaz).

The Defensoría del Pueblo expressed its deep sorrow and solidarity with Portillo's family, stating, "It cannot be that we have to face this in our institution and in public defense. We express our solidarity with his family."

Colombia's Attorney General, Gregorio Eljach, also condemned the killing and demanded the swift capture and punishment of those responsible. Portillo resided in Chinchiná, a town less than an hour from Manizales. This incident highlights ongoing security concerns in the region, as the Defensoría del Pueblo had previously issued an early warning about the presence and operations of illegal armed groups in Manizales. The agency noted that the city is used as a refuge by criminal structures and armed groups operating regionally, posing a constant risk to the population's rights.