BOGOTA, Colombia – The new director of one of Colombia’s major prisons, Elmer Fernandez, was tragically shot dead in the capital city of Bogota. Fernandez had been receiving threats against him and his family in the week leading up to his killing. This incident occurred amid a declared “prison emergency” by the government back in February due to a concerning increase in prison violence across the country.
Fernandez, a former police colonel who took over as the director of Bogota’s La Modelo prison on April 4, was targeted while returning home from work. He was ambushed by gunmen on a motorcycle who fatally shot him with a single bullet to the head. The Justice Minister Nestor Osuna condemned the killing and announced a large-scale police operation to capture the perpetrators.
The late director had been implementing new governmental policies aimed at cleaning up the jail and cracking down on criminal activities within the prison walls. His efforts included conducting surprise searches on inmates and their cells, which garnered him multiple written death threats. Colombian President Gustavo Petro denounced Fernandez’s murder, vowing to press forward despite the vicious attack.
La Modelo prison, where Fernandez worked, houses some of Colombia’s most notorious criminals. The facility has seen its fair share of violent incidents in the past, including deadly riots and gang-related activities. The government suspects that organized criminal gangs are operating from within the overcrowded penitentiaries, engaging in drug smuggling and extortion.
Jorge Restrepo, a political analyst and professor in Bogota, suggested that Fernandez’s assassination may be linked to these organized groups. Fernandez was actively working to disband gang affiliations within the prison system, putting himself at risk. The National Penitentiary and Prison Institute has acknowledged the dangers faced by officials, with several guards having been killed or surviving attempted attacks in recent years.
As the investigation into Fernandez’s killing unfolds, authorities are on high alert, recognizing the ongoing threats posed to prison officials. The challenges of combating crime within the prison system are significant, with limited resources available for ensuring the safety of those tasked with overseeing these facilities. The impact of Fernandez’s murder extends beyond his personal tragedy, highlighting the complex and dangerous environment that exists within Colombia’s penitentiaries.