The Superior Tribunal of Bogotá provisionally ordered presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella to withdraw propaganda featuring patriotic symbols and to stop using the slogan “Firmes por la Patria”. The measure was notified on June 9 and also covers expressions such as “Defensores de la Patria”. The ruling comes less than two weeks before the June 21 runoff election.
The judicial order, issued by magistrate Rafael Albeiro Chavarro, responds to a tutela action filed by a citizen. He argued that the use of national emblems and phrases linked to the homeland in the campaign violates democratic principles and could unduly influence voters. The campaign must immediately withdraw all advertising that includes the Colombian flag, the coat of arms, images of the security forces, camouflage caps and the military salute. Use of the political movement name “Defensores de la Patria” is also prohibited. Elected congressman Daniel Briceño reacted to the decision and stated: “The justice system will have to imprison half the country. It is an outrage”. The measure follows a previous ruling that temporarily restricted the use of the Colombia national team shirt in campaign activities. Abelardo de la Espriella and his vice-presidential running mate José Manuel Restrepo will contest the presidential runoff against Iván Cepeda on June 21.
