Juan David Pulido Peña and Jhonatan Steven Téllez Canor received a security measure in a prison because they had participated in an eof threats against a Venezuelan family, who ended up being a victim of extortion and forced displacement in Medellín.
It happened in the Antonio Nariño neighborhood of commune 13. There, according to the Police investigation, 3 Venezuelan brothers, a young woman with her baby and her husband, who is Colombian, were chatting outside the residence where they lived when a vecino began to insult them with xenophobic expressions.
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They would have reacted to aggression and the episode ended in a threat from the neighbors. According to the judicial record known to Teleantioquia Noticias: “The familya locks himself in the house and the neighbor’s son From outside he yells at them that they were going to take the motorcycles that they had parked on the sidewalk, owned by 2 of the family members. He tells them that They have 2 days to vacate the house or else they will be killed. They also warned them that if they wanted the motorcycles they had to give them a million pesos for each motorcycle.”
Some of the victims decided report to the Police. The uniformed officers went to the residence and there they found Juan David and Jhonatan Steven when they were supposedly trying to kick down the door. After being identified as 2 of the authors of the threat, They were captured and prosecuted. The family left the neighborhood guarded by the Police.
Panorama of forced displacement in Medellín
According to the data of the Personalitythis year that department of the Public Ministry has received 501 statements for cases of forced intra-urban displacement. This information allowed us to establish that the There were 1,149 people affected.
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Although the year is not over, these statistics reflect a behavior very similar to that of 2023, when they were received 592 statements about events that affected 1,490 people.
Forced displacement in Medellín as a receiving city reflects these numbers: so far In 2024 there were 3,157 declarations (6,287 people) and in 2023, 2,995 (7,221 people).
2024-12-06 00:12:00
#Xenophobia #caused #forced #displacement #Medellín
What social programs are currently in place in Medellín to address the root causes of displacement such as poverty and inequality, and how effective have they been?
## Interview: Forced Displacement in Medellín
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. Today we’re discussing the concerning issue of forced displacement in Medellín. Joining us is Dr. Sofia Ramirez, a leading expert on urban displacement and social inequality. Dr. Ramirez, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Ramirez:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** As our viewers know, forced displacement is a serious problem facing many cities around the world. Can you give us some insight into the specific challenges Medellín is facing in this regard?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Certainly. Medellin has witnessed a complex interplay of factors contributing to forced displacement. Historically, the city grappled with cartel violence and paramilitary activity, which displaced thousands. While the situation has improved, we’re seeing new patterns emerge, often linked to gang activity [1], mainly following the demobilization of powerful figures like “Don Berna.”
**Host:** You mentioned gang activity. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Absolutely. After the demobilization of “Don Berna,” power vacuums emerged, leading to increased competition between gangs for control of territory and resources. This often results in threats to residents, aiming to force them out of their homes and neighborhoods.
**Host:** We recently saw a heartbreaking case in the Antonio Nariño neighborhood where a Venezuelan family was threatened and forced to flee due to xenophobia and extortion [local news story].
**Dr. Ramirez:** That’s a tragic example of the vulnerability faced by marginalized communities. Forced displacement often targets those already facing discrimination and economic hardship. The case highlights how xenophobia can intersect with criminal activity to create a climate of fear and insecurity.
**Host:** What can be done to address this issue in Medellín?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Tackling forced displacement requires a multifaceted approach. We need increased security measures to address gang violence and crime. But equally important are social programs that address the root causes of displacement, such as poverty and inequality.
**Host:** what message would you like to leave our viewers with today?
**Dr. Ramirez:** This is not just a city issue; it’s a human one. We must recognise the impact forced displacement has on individuals, families, and communities. By raising awareness, demanding governmental action, and supporting organizations working on the ground, we can work towards creating a safer and more inclusive Medellín for all.
**Host:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Ramirez.
