Assassination attempt in Colombia sparks fears of return to bloody past: ‘It’s a devastating moment’

Attack on presidential candidate is reminiscent of some of the darkest chapters of the country’s history

T

he attempted assassination of a Colombian presidential hopeful has reignited fears of a return to a bloody past when organized crime and rebel groups murdered candidates, journalists, judges with impunity.

The shooting of Miguel Uribe Turbay was one of the most serious attacks against a high-ranking politician in Colombia this century, and comes as a deteriorating security crisis grips the Andean nation.

“We’re going back to the worst moments of violence that our country has known,” said Andrés Barrios, a councilman and close friend of Uribe’s, who was standing beside him when he was shot. “It’s a very difficult time.”