Background on Miguel Uribe and the Assassination
Miguel Uribe, a 39-year-old opposition legislator, was shot during a political rally in Bogotá on June 7. He spent two months in intensive care before succumbing to a brain hemorrhage on August 11. Uribe’s death has reignited concerns about political violence in Colombia, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s. His assassination has heightened security concerns for candidates in the upcoming 2026 legislative and presidential elections.
Simeón Pérez Marroquín’s Arrest
On Monday, Colombian authorities apprehended Simeón Pérez Marroquín, described as the “principal link” to the intellectual authors of Uribe’s assassination. Pérez, captured in the Meta department, is accused of acting as an intermediary between the inner circle of the assassin and the armed group responsible for the shooting.
Charges Against Pérez Marroquín
According to the Fiscalía, Pérez Marroquín faces charges including:
- Aggravated homicide
- Conspiracy to commit crimes
- Using minors in the commission of crimes
- Illegal possession of firearms
Previous Involvement in Political Assassinations
Pérez Marroquín’s name appeared in public Colombian television archives as one of those detained for the assassination of sicarios linked to presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galán, who was also gunned down during a political event in 1989. Galán, a popular left-leaning candidate advocating for the extradition of drug traffickers like the slain cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar, during Colombia’s worst years of armed conflict.
Impact on Ongoing Investigation
Pérez Marroquín’s arrest marks the seventh detention related to Uribe’s assassination. Authorities are now focusing on identifying the intellectual authors of the crime, with whom Pérez had direct contact, according to the Fiscalía.
Contextualizing Uribe’s Relevance
As an opposition legislator, Uribe’s death has brought back memories of political violence in Colombia during the 1980s and 1990s. His assassination has heightened security concerns for candidates in the upcoming 2026 legislative and presidential elections. Uribe’s passing has also underscored the ongoing challenges faced by political figures in Colombia, as they strive to maintain safety and integrity amidst lingering threats.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Miguel Uribe? Miguel Uribe was a 39-year-old opposition legislator who was shot during a political rally in Bogotá on June 7. He spent two months in intensive care before passing away from a brain hemorrhage on August 11.
- What is Simeón Pérez Marroquín’s role? Simeón Pérez Marroquín is accused of being the intermediary between the inner circle of Uribe’s assassin and the armed group responsible for the shooting.
- What charges does Pérez Marroquín face? Pérez Marroquín faces charges including aggravated homicide, conspiracy to commit crimes, using minors in the commission of crimes, and illegal possession of firearms.
- Why is Uribe’s assassination significant? Uribe’s death has reignited concerns about political violence in Colombia, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s. His assassination has heightened security concerns for candidates in the upcoming 2026 legislative and presidential elections.
