The ELN’s Eastern War Front announced a supposed revolutionary trial against four state officials held in Arauca. Colombian authorities immediately rejected the announcement and demanded the immediate release of the victims.
The armed group said it would extend the captivity of two CTI agents from the Fiscalía and two members of the Dijín police under revolutionary prison. According to the statement, Jesús Antonio Pacheco Oviedo was sentenced to 60 months and Rodrigo Antonio López Estrada to 55 months, while Franki Esley Hoyos Murcia received 36 months and Yordin Fabián Pérez Mendoza 32 months, subtracting time already served.
The victims were abducted in 2025: Pacheco and López on May 8 in Fortul, Arauca, and Hoyos and Pérez on July 20 on the road between Tame and Arauca. The ELN accused them of espionage and participation in state structures.
The Supreme Court of Justice, the Fiscalía and the Procuraduría issued a joint statement noting that only the Judicial Branch can exercise judicial functions. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez described the communiqué as lacking judicial legitimacy and called for the release of all those kidnapped by the ELN.
