The Colombian government has suspended arrest warrants for 23 alleged leaders of criminal organizations in the Aburrá Valley as part of its “Total Peace” initiative, a policy aimed at facilitating negotiations with armed groups.
The measure was implemented following a request from the Office of the High Commissioner for Peace, according to Colombia’s Attorney General’s office, which said the suspension is intended to support dialogue processes and does not apply to individuals currently serving sentences or in custody. The request was submitted as part of the government’s broader negotiation framework.
In an interview with Los Danieles, former ambassador Roy Barreras said the policy “will produce electoral results,” while adding that such outcomes were not necessarily the original intent of the initiative. He described the decision as a methodological issue and said criminal groups may benefit when enforcement pressure is reduced. Barreras also outlined how such groups can influence elections, including exerting pressure on voters and collecting identification documents.
Antioquia Governor Andrés Julián Rendón said on X he has filed a legal action before the Council of State seeking to annul the suspension of the warrants, arguing the measure affects the functioning of the justice system.
Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán questioned how the policy aligns with ongoing law enforcement efforts, noting that authorities continue to carry out operations against criminal groups, according to La FM.
The Attorney General’s office said the suspension of arrest warrants does not override existing judicial orders or release individuals who are currently detained.
President Gustavo Petro’s “Total Peace” strategy seeks to reduce violence by negotiating with armed and criminal groups, including through dialogue and submission-to-justice processes, the International Center for Transitional Justice reported.
Suspending arrest warrants is one of several measures associated with that effort, the Attorney General’s office said.
