A soft-spoken senator, Cepeda spent years advocating for victims of state crimes. But critics say taking on a president made him a 'hero to the left'.

Save

Share

Bogota, Colombia – He had the look of a middle-aged schoolteacher. His back seemed slightly sloped, a grey cardigan hung from his shoulders, and a pair of glasses were perched atop his nose.

But as Ivan Cepeda waded through the crowds at a surprise rally on June 3 in downtown Bogota, young supporters thronged to see him.