Colombian Judge Prohibits President Petro from Using X for Electoral Purposes

A Colombian judge has issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting President Gustavo Petro from using his X (formerly Twitter) account for electoral purposes in the days leading up to Sunday's presidential runoff election. The order, issued by a judge in Medellín, came in response to a legal challenge filed by a citizen who argued that Petro's recent posts violated a prior directive from the nation's highest administrative court.

The judge mandated that Petro "refrain" from "disseminating electoral propaganda or messages aimed at favoring or disfavoring" any of the candidates. This restriction is set to remain in effect until 4:00 PM local time on Sunday, when polling stations close. The ruling also extends to prohibiting Petro from using official presidential channels for election-related matters and making such references at national and international events.

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I have only spoken about people who are campaigning because they commit crimes, and my obligation as a public official is to report it.

President Petro, known for his active social media presence, has openly supported Iván Cepeda, a senator from his Pacto Histórico party, while also criticizing the opposing candidate, Abelardo de la Espriella. Although not naming him directly, Petro had accused one of the candidates of committing crimes by "persecuting" the left.

In response to the judge's decision, Petro stated during a televised cabinet meeting, "I have only spoken about people who are campaigning because they commit crimes, and my obligation as a public official is to report it." The measure comes just four days before the crucial runoff election.

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refrain from disseminating electoral propaganda or messages aimed at favoring or disfavoring any of the candidates.