Teen Hitmen Plague Colombia Decades After Escobar Hired Kids to Kill
Colombia continues to struggle with the issue of child hitmen, decades after Pablo Escobar’s infamous recruiting tactics. A recent assassination attempt on presidential candidate Miguel Uribe by a 15-year-old highlights this ongoing crisis. Experts emphasize the intersection of poverty and manipulation by criminal gangs as root causes. While efforts to rehabilitate minors exist, the legacy of violence in Colombia remains a haunting reality.
The haunting legacy of Pablo Escobar’s violent reign continues to resonate in Colombia today. Just last week, a 15-year-old boy was arrested for allegedly shooting at presidential candidate Miguel Uribe during a rally in Bogotá, echoing the violent chaos of the past. Authorities suspect this young gunman might be part of a larger operation, though the identity of the person behind the hit remains unknown. Currently, Uribe’s condition is reported as critical, but there’s some hope as he shows slight improvements in health.
This troubling incident reflects a disturbing trend. The boy claims he was instructed by someone from a local drug-dealing neighborhood, known colloquially as an “olla.” This practice of enlisting minors for criminal activities is alarmingly commonplace in Colombia, as explained by Matthew Charles, who leads the Mi Historia foundation. Speaking to AFP, he stated that this isn’t merely a rare occurrence but a significant and troubling reality for many young people in the nation.
Adding to the mounting concerns, authorities have charged another individual in connection with the assassination attempt. Prosecutors allege that this person was responsible for delivering the firearm used in the attack. These kinds of operations rely on exploiting vulnerable youth who come from impoverished or violent backgrounds, drawn in by the allure of quick cash amidst dire circumstances. Charles underscores the impact of poverty, saying, “They are looking for quick solutions because there is no food on the table in their homes at night.”
The recruitment of adolescents into criminal enterprises is part of a broader issue. Reports indicate that from 2020 to 2022, around 530 minors were pulled into the fold of organized crime. The children, on average ages 13 to 14, are frequently from economically disadvantaged regions—often in areas rife with ongoing armed conflicts. A separate study revealed that 142 minors were brought into criminal activities just in the first half of last year.
Financial incentives offered by criminal organizations can be shockingly high, with young hitmen allegedly promised between $50 and $500 per assassination. A figure like that is astronomical for youths trapped in poverty without many employment prospects. While these minors are often led to believe they will receive this money, Charles notes that many end up deceived by empty promises.
About one-third of Colombia’s population is currently living in poverty, increasing the vulnerability of youth to these dangerous offers. Some criminal groups also resort to using psychoactive substances to manipulate these young recruits into following orders, as outlined by Astrid Caceres from the ICBF. Shockingly, 2024 has already seen about 5,000 minors aged 14 to 17 enter the justice system, though it’s unclear just how many were connected to violent crimes.
Utilizing minors as hitmen is described as an “old custom” in Colombia, taking advantage of these children’s situations, according to criminal attorney Francisco Bernate. Given their age, the law views these young offenders differently; they face a maximum of eight years in confinement as opposed to the much harsher sentences adults face. Attorney General Luz Adriana Camargo pointed out that rather than serving time in prison, these children are typically sent to rehabilitation centers for therapeutic programs.
As this case unfolds, the alleged shooter is currently under witness protection along with their family. The echoes of past violence are chilling—reminding many of the era when Escobar orchestrated a wave of terror resulting in the deaths of several presidential candidates during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Journalist Jorge Cardona recalled similar instances, such as when a 16-year-old served as a hitman for Escobar and met a grim fate not long after. The cycle of violence continues, presenting a grim reality Colombia is still grappling with after so many years.
The persistence of teenage hitmen in Colombia decades after Escobar’s reign underscores a troubling continuity in the exploitation of society’s most vulnerable. Poverty, lack of opportunities, and the allure of quick money lure minors into crime, with alarming numbers recruited by organizations. While the government aims to reform and rehabilitate these young offenders, the ongoing violence and the attempt on Uribe’s life starkly remind us of a dark past that many hoped was left behind. As Colombia grapples with this issue, the need for effective solutions becomes ever more pressing.
Original Source: manilastandard.net
