A Colombian juvenile court has sentenced a 15-year-old boy to seven years in juvenile detention after he was found guilty of shooting a presidential candidate during a campaign event. The ruling, delivered earlier this week, has reignited debates about youth crime, political security, and the limits of Colombia’s juvenile justice system.
The Attack That Shocked Colombia
The incident occurred when the teenager opened fire during a campaign rally, injuring the presidential hopeful and sending supporters fleeing in panic. Security forces quickly subdued the attacker, and the candidate was rushed to a hospital, later confirmed to be in stable condition. The attempted assassination rattled a nation already on edge about rising political tensions ahead of elections.
Authorities said the teen acted alone, though investigators are still examining possible links to criminal groups or external influences. The motive has not been publicly confirmed, but analysts suggest the attack reflects both Colombia’s enduring struggles with political violence and the vulnerability of young people to manipulation by violent networks.
Juvenile Sentencing in Colombia
Under Colombian law, minors cannot be tried as adults. For offenders under 18, the maximum sentence allowed is seven years in a juvenile rehabilitation center. The court emphasized that the purpose of the sentence is not only to restrict the boy’s freedom but also to provide educational and psychological support aimed at reintegration.
Critics, however, argue that the punishment is too lenient for an act as severe as the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate. Some lawmakers have already called for reforms that would increase penalties for minors involved in serious crimes, while others defend the current system, stressing that rehabilitation, not retribution, must remain the guiding principle for juvenile justice.
Candidate Responds to Sentencing
The targeted presidential candidate, who has since returned to the campaign trail, responded to the ruling with a call for national unity. “Violence must not determine Colombia’s destiny,” the candidate said in a statement. “Our democracy is stronger than fear, and we must protect our youth from cycles of crime and hatred.”
The politician also urged authorities to strengthen security measures for candidates and public events, pointing to a troubling pattern of attacks on political leaders throughout the country’s history.
A History of Political Violence
Colombia has long faced challenges with political violence, from the assassination of leaders in the 20th century to threats and attacks against local officials in recent years. While the peace agreement with the FARC rebel group in 2016 reduced large-scale conflict, political figures remain frequent targets of intimidation and violence, particularly during election cycles.
Experts warn that this latest attack highlights the persistence of those risks, as well as the need for stronger protections for candidates at all levels of government.
Wider Debate on Youth and Crime
The case has also amplified concerns about the recruitment of minors into criminal activity. According to Colombia’s Ombudsman’s Office, thousands of children and teenagers have been drawn into gangs, drug trafficking networks, or armed groups, often coerced or lured with promises of money and status.
Human rights organizations caution that harsher punishments for minors may do little to address the root causes. Instead, they argue, more investment is needed in education, job opportunities, and community programs to prevent young people from turning to violence in the first place.
What Comes Next
The teenager will serve his sentence in a juvenile detention facility, where he is expected to receive counseling, education, and vocational training. His case is likely to remain in the public spotlight as Colombia heads toward national elections, with political parties divided on how best to balance justice, security, and youth rehabilitation.
For now, the court’s decision closes one chapter in a case that has shaken the nation, but the broader questions it raises—about violence, democracy, and the role of youth in society—remain far from resolved.