Valledupar councilman investigated after controversial video shows him intimidating 'petristas' with a weapon

The Procurator's Office in Cesar has initiated a disciplinary investigation against Oswaldo Díaz Ortiz, a councilman in Valledupar, following the circulation of a video that has caused significant controversy. The audiovisual material shows Díaz Ortiz holding a firearm and making aggressive remarks directed at supporters of the 'petrista' political movement.

“

I am ready for war, weapon protected by being a reserve second lieutenant and councilman; I have it ready for war, any 'petrista' who comes, they will get pellets.

In the video, Díaz Ortiz is heard saying, "I am ready for war, weapon protected by being a reserve second lieutenant and councilman; I have it ready for war, any 'petrista' who comes, they will get pellets." The Procurator's Office has ordered technical tests on the video to ascertain its authenticity and integrity, and has requested Díaz Ortiz's complete employment record from the Valledupar City Council, along with his social media activity.

“

The material that is circulating presents an editing and construction that does not faithfully reflect my expressions, thoughts, and my way of relating to people.

Following the backlash, Díaz Ortiz issued an apology, stating that the circulating material was edited and does not accurately represent his expressions or his interactions with people. He emphasized that while he holds different political views, his philosophy does not involve promoting violence, war, or political hatred. He expressed regret to anyone who felt offended or concerned by the video's content, clarifying that his apology does not equate to accepting interpretations that do not align with his beliefs.

“

I have never been my philosophy to promote violence, war, political hatred, or the stigmatization of a person for their ideas. I believe in democratic debate, even when there are deep differences.

Díaz Ortiz affirmed his commitment to democratic debate, even amidst deep political differences, and reiterated his public responsibility as a councilman to serve and represent all citizens, regardless of their political ideology. He also indicated his willingness to cooperate with any official evaluations of the material by the competent authorities, while asserting his constitutional rights to due process and defense.

“

To those who have felt offended, affected, or concerned by the content that is circulating, I express my apologies; I do so out of respect for them, without this implying that I adopt as my own expressions or interpretations that do not correspond to my thinking.