International

Venezuelan Human Rights Activist and Political Consultant Shot in Colombia

October 14, 2025

2OOQ777VRJLQ5KHZ2K6ZMMLQU4 — Police officers cordon off the area where a Venezuelan human rights activist, Yendri Velasquez and a political consultant, Luis Peche, were shot and injured, in Bogota, Colombia, October 13, 2025. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez

On October 13, 2025, in Bogotá, Colombia, two Venezuelan exiles — Yendri Omar Velásquez Rodríguez and Luis Alejandro Peche Arteaga — were shot and wounded in what authorities believe was a targeted attack.AP News+2Reuters+2 Velásquez, a prominent human rights and LGBTQ+ activist, and Peche, a political consultant, are now in stable condition at a local hospital, though Velásquez is set to undergo surgery.AP News+2Deutsche Welle+2

Background and Victims

The two men, who had been living in Colombia since September 2024, left Venezuela citing political persecution under President Nicolás Maduro’s government.AP News+2Latin Times+2 Velásquez is well known for founding the Venezuelan Observatory of LGBTQ+ Violence, and has been active in speaking out against human rights abuses.AP News+2Latin Times+2 Peche has served in advisory roles in Venezuelan institutions, including time as an adviser to the National Assembly.AP News+2Deutsche Welle+2

The Attack

Colombian police described the incident as a “hitman‑style” attack.Reuters+2Deutsche Welle+2 Velásquez and Peche were leaving a building in northern Bogotá around midday when two unidentified assailants opened fire.AP News+2Deutsche Welle+2 There were no reports of prior threats against them in Colombia, according to authorities.AP News+1

Public and Government Response

Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed solidarity with the victims and called for increased protections for human rights defenders, including Venezuelans seeking asylum.AP News+2Deutsche Welle+2
The Colombian Ombudsman’s Office urged a thorough investigation into the shooting.AP News+2Latin Times+2
The Democratic Unitary Platform, an opposition coalition in Venezuela, condemned the attack.AP News+1
María Corina Machado, newly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, similarly denounced the attack, saying it represents a broader assault on human rights and opposition voices.Reuters+2Deutsche Welle+2

Wider Context & Significance

This attack takes place amid mounting concerns about threats, violence, and persecution faced by Venezuelan critics of the Maduro government both within the country and in exile.Latin Times+2AP News+2 Venezuela has for years struggled with the suppression of dissent, including revoking passports, arrests during protests, and restrictions on freedom of expression.AP News+1

Colombia has become one of the main destinations for Venezuelan asylum seekers, with many fleeing economic collapse, political repression, or both. Protecting these exiles presents legal and human rights challenges.Latin Times+1

What’s at Stake & What Comes Next

Justice and Accountability: There is widespread demand — from civil society and human rights groups — for a swift, impartial, and independent investigation into the incident.Amnesty International+1
Safety for Activists in Exile: Many worry this attack could set a dangerous precedent, possibly discouraging activism or driving human rights defenders to stay silent.Latin Times+1
Asylum Protections: There’s also renewed calls for stronger protections and safeguards for Venezuelan asylum seekers in Colombia, especially those openly involved in opposition or human rights work.AP News+1

Conclusion

The shooting of Yendri Velásquez and Luis Peche underscores the risks faced by dissidents and human rights advocates, even outside their home country. While both are stable, the episode is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exiled activists face and the importance of robust legal protections. As Colombia and international organizations respond, the outcome of investigations may set a benchmark for how human rights defenders are treated regionally — and whether they can feel safe speaking truth to power, even across borders.

If you want, I can also prepare a summary version, a timeline, or more details about previous similar attacks in the region.