Prison director killed in armed attack in Colombia

BOGOTA

The director of a prison in Colombia’s capital was killed late Thursday in an armed attack while driving his private vehicle.

Retired colonel Elmer Fernandez, the director of La Modelo Prison in Bogota, died after being struck by multiple bullets fired by people on motorcycles.

President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack on his X account and ordered the immediate capture of the perpetrators and expressed his condolences to Fernandez's family.

"A lockdown plan was established in Bogota, and an extraordinary security council meeting will be held to establish measures for all the country's prisons," he added.

Local media reported that Fernandez had been receiving death threats recently for not complying with the demands of gangs.

Opposition parties condemned Fernandez's killing and urged the government to ensure the safety of prison directors.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul