Colombian President Gustavo Petro Faces Legal Action Over Hate Speech Amid Uribe Turbay Shooting and Leyva Conspiracy Claims

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is facing legal and political challenges following accusations linked to a shooting incident involving presidential pre-candidate Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay. Uribe Turbay's legal representative filed a complaint against Petro, accusing him of hate speech and political incitement. Petro has strongly denied any involvement, labeling the accusations as slander and announcing a defamation lawsuit against Uribe Turbay's representative. Concurrently, leaked audio recordings have surfaced implicating former Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva in a purported conspiracy to destabilize Petro's government.

Leyva allegedly sought support from the United States to remove Petro from office. Petro condemned these actions, describing himself as a victim of Leyva's insults and calling for those mentioned in the audios, including Vice President Francia Márquez, to face judicial scrutiny. Márquez has denied any participation in the alleged plot, rejecting claims of conspiracy. Petro also criticized Leyva's son for lobbying behavior and accused him of retaliatory attacks after Petro refused to grant him a government position. The situation has escalated into a broader political controversy amid ongoing tensions in Colombia's administration.