Colombian judicial journalist Cristian Herrera, who spoke fearlessly about drug trafficking, politicians, and corruption, was assassinated

Journalist Cristian Herrera, a prominent voice against criminal organizations in Cúcuta, Colombia, was killed on June 6, shot nine times in front of his wife and daughter. Herrera, who had over 20 years of experience and represented the Foundation for a Press and Freedom (FLIP) in Norte de Santander, had been under protection since 2014 due to threats against him.

His work fearlessly tackled sensitive issues, including the ELN guerrilla group, drug trafficking in Cúcuta, political corruption, and regional criminal networks. Colleagues suggest his assassination may have been a response from powerful sectors uncomfortable with his reporting. Herrera had a diverse career, working for the regional newspaper La Opinión, directing a local outlet, and serving as an advisor for the Security Secretariat of the Mayor's Office, while also maintaining his own digital platform for denunciations.

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A newly elected Senator from Norte de Santander who was going to the United States had his trip ruined because his visa was canceled and he had to change his plans. The worst part is that the Fiscalía would have an order for asset forfeiture.

Minutes before his death, Herrera posted on social media about a senator whose visa was allegedly canceled due to an asset forfeiture process, and about an upcoming Fiscalía (prosecutor's office) investigation into homicides involving a well-known politician. These posts have raised alarms following his murder.

Authorities have condemned the crime and offered a reward of up to 100 million pesos. Colonel Libardo Ojeda, commander of the Cúcuta Police, stated that Herrera had three official threats on file from 2023 to 2025. While Herrera had deactivated his protection detail on the day of the attack, police are exploring all hypotheses, including links to drug trafficking organizations and criminal gangs.

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The journalist did not use the UNP (National Protection Unit), we are pointing to drug trafficking organizations, others to criminal gangs, we are not going to rule out any hypothesis.