103 high-risk prisoners transferred from a Colombian prison to other centers in the country

Bogotá (EFE).– Colombian authorities transferred 103 prisoners considered high-risk from the Itagüí maximum-security prison in the department of Antioquia (northwest) to various penitentiary centers across the country, reported the regional governor, Andrés Julián Rendón, shortly after the inauguration of the country’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella.

“Antioqueños, I have been informed about the transfer of 103 dangerous criminals held in the Itagüí maximum-security prison to high-security penitentiary centers in Bogotá, Palmira, Girón, Valledupar, La Dorada, El Barne, and other locations in the country,” Rendón expressed on X.

Among the inmates are leaders of criminal organizations that commit crimes in Medellín and its surroundings, such as the Aburrá Valley and Eastern Antioquia, including Freyner Ramírez García, known as Carlos Pesebre; Juan Carlos Mesa or Tom; Dayron Alberto Muñoz Torres or El Indio; and Juan Camilo Rendón, alias El Saya.

The transfer takes place on the same day as the inauguration of the Colombian president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who has announced a toughening of security policy and has warned members of criminal gangs and narcoterrorism that they will have two options: “submit to the rule of law or face the determined force of the Colombian State and its public forces.”

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The new Government’s promise to build “mega-prisons”

During his inauguration speech, the president also assured that his Government will build “mega-prisons” for those who pose a greater threat to the security of Colombians and stated that there will be no impunity for members of criminal organizations.

“There will be no impunity, I will find them and bring them to justice with determination,” said De la Espriella, who also stated that the path of dialogue with illegal armed groups is “completely exhausted.”

Itagüí prison was the scene of an incident a few months ago due to a party held with inmates at that penitentiary center, which led to the removal from office of 11 officials who were on duty at the time for failing to perform their duties.

Several criminals from the same prison were on the same stage last year with then-President Gustavo Petro, in an act to promote dialogues with illegal armed groups, which provoked numerous criticisms of the president.