National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
In a bold move, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has refused to allow US deportation flights carrying Colombian migrants to enter the country’s airspace.
This decision comes after Brazil expressed outrage over the treatment of its deported citizens, who were handcuffed during their flight, sparking concerns about human rights violations.
Petro took to social media platform X to express his discontent, stating, “The United States cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals. I forbid entry to our territory to US planes carrying Colombian migrants.”
He emphasized that US planes would only be allowed to enter Colombian airspace once a protocol ensuring the “dignified treatment” of migrants is established.
The Colombian president also claimed to have turned back US military planes carrying Colombian migrants, although no further details were provided.
The US has yet to confirm whether deportation flights to Colombia have been blocked.
Petro’s stance is a clear indication of Colombia’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens, even in the face of pressure from the US.
The move also highlights the growing tensions between Colombia and the US, particularly under the new administration of President Donald Trump.
It’s worth noting that Petro has stated that civilian US flights carrying deported migrants would be allowed to enter Colombian airspace, as long as the migrants are not treated “like criminals.”
This distinction underscores the importance of humane treatment and respect for human rights in the deportation process.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the US will respond to Colombia’s stance and whether a resolution can be reached that prioritizes the dignity and well-being of all migrants involved.
