The event comes after more than three months of threats, harassment, and intimidation.

On Monday night, gunmen carried out an armed attack against Colombian journalist Naylea Barros, a former candidate for the Chamber of Representatives for the Historic Pact party, while she was traveling in her vehicle through the Caribbean city of Santa Marta.

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She and her cousin were traveling to the Bavaria neighborhood to buy food when bullets struck the rear left window, directly behind the seat where Barros had been sitting minutes earlier. They managed to reach a gas station, where they were assisted by police officers.

“Fortunately and by God’s grace, I am alive, but this incident adds to more than three months of threats, harassment and intimidation that have also targeted people close to me,” Barros said.

Previously, the leftist journalist had received threats through social media, some of them sent from accounts that later disappeared. People close to her have also received intimidation related to her participation in political and social activities.

Ultimas demuncias de la periodista @Nayleabarros atacada a tiros ayer en Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/hErzD9S6IK

— Jacobo Solano (@JACOBOSOLANOC) August 25, 2026

The text reads, “Latest reports from journalist Naylea Barros, who was shot yesterday in Santa Marta.”

“Violence cannot be used to silence those of us who think differently,” Barros said, demanding an exhaustive investigation from authorities, clarification of the facts, and guarantees for her safety and that of her family.

The former candidate rejected any form of violence and said she will continue carrying out her journalistic, political, and social work: “Defending life, democracy and dignity cannot be a reason for persecution.”

So far, Colombian authorities have not reported any arrests or publicly established who was behind the attack or the motives.

“Today I will receive an initial report and, based on the facts that are established, the appropriate measures will be taken. In the meantime, the necessary protection will be provided while the circumstances of the case are clarified,” President Abelardo de la Espriella said.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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