Teen Hitmen Plague Colombia Decades After Escobar Hired Kids to Kill

Colombia is experiencing a resurgence of teenage hitmen decades after Pablo Escobar’s era. A recent incident involved a 15-year-old accused of shooting presidential candidate Miguel Uribe. The ongoing exploitation of children in crime reflects deep socioeconomic issues in the country, with organized crime taking advantage of marginalized youths. Reports show significant recruitment of minors in criminal activities, raising concerns about their future and rehabilitation.

In a haunting reminder of its violent past, Colombia grapples once again with the issue of teenage hitmen. The recent arrest of a 15-year-old who allegedly shot presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe at a Bogotá rally has reignited fears of a resurgence in politically motivated assassinations. This incident has drawn parallels to the era of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar, who famously employed young assassins to eliminate rivals and law enforcement officials.

Authorities suspect that the teenager was recruited for the hit, but the identity of the person who orchestrated the assassination attempt remains unclear. Uribe, a senator, is still in critical condition, although doctors have reported slight improvements in his health. The young suspect has expressed a willingness to cooperate with authorities, claiming orders originated from within a local drug-dealing neighborhood, colloquially termed an “olla.”

Matthew Charles, who heads the Mi Historia foundation dedicated to aiding at-risk youth, told Agence France Presse that the phenomenon of youth engaged in violence is not an anomaly for Colombia. It reflects a disturbing trend where children are lured into criminal enterprises driven by dire socioeconomic conditions. He explained, “They are looking for quick solutions because there is no food on the table in their homes at night.”

A second suspect was apprehended and charged with attempted murder for allegedly driving the vehicle that delivered the firearm to the teenager. This recruitment of minors by criminal networks—ranging from drug cartels to guerrilla factions—remains a persistent problem, as children are more easily manipulated.

A shocking report from UNICEF and the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare revealed that between 2020 and 2022, more than 530 minors were enlisted by organized crime for various roles, including lookouts and fighters. Most of these young recruits hail from impoverished rural backgrounds, with reports indicating that 142 minors were recruited just in the first half of last year.

Criminal organizations promise young killers substantial payouts—ranging from $50 to $500 per victim—attractive sums for those with minimal prospects. However, many ultimately fall victim to deception, never receiving their promised wages. With about one-third of Colombians living in poverty, economic desperation is a compelling driver.

Moreover, armed groups have been known to use psychoactive substances to control these minors, further trapping them in a cycle of violence. Last year, approximately 5,000 youth, ages 14 to 17, entered Colombia’s criminal justice system, though the details about their offenses were not systematically shared.

Legal experts argue that exploiting minors as hitmen represents an age-old practice in Colombia. Criminal attorney Francisco Bernate pointed out that the legal system typically does not hold minors to the same accountability standards as adults, emphasizing their inability to fully grasp the ramifications of their actions. As a result, they face significantly lighter sentences compared to adult offenders.

According to Attorney General Luz Adriana Camargo, young offenders are placed in specialized centers for rehabilitation rather than traditional incarceration. The 15-year-old suspected in the Uribe case is currently receiving protective measures for himself and his family as the investigation continues.

This assassination attempt echoes the dark legacy of Escobar’s reign, which infamously resulted in the deaths of four presidential candidates in the late 20th century. Journalist Jorge Cardona recalls these events in his book, “Dias de Memoria,” emphasizing that the use of young assassins has long-term, catastrophic implications for Colombia as it seeks to heal from its tumultuous past.

Colombia continues to face significant challenges with the recruitment of minors into violent crime, echoing dark historical precedents from the era of Escobar. The recent assassination attempt on political candidate Miguel Uribe by a teenager illustrates the ongoing crisis, exacerbated by socioeconomic pressures and exploitation from organized crime. As Colombia works to address these issues, it must find effective solutions to protect its youth and break the cycle of violence that has plagued the nation for decades.

Original Source: manilastandard.net