The Venezuelan political scientist Luis Peche and his friend, activist Yendri Velásquez, survived an assassination attempt in Bogotá on October 13, during which they were attacked by three gunmen as they were leaving their home. Peche, in an interview from an undisclosed location, described the incident as a miracle attributed to José Gregorio Hernández, reaffirming the tension and fear that Venezuelan exiles in Colombia live with. The incident has caused panic among the regime's politically persecuted who are seeking refuge in the neighboring country, increasing concern about the safety of the Venezuelan diaspora.
Peche, who has been in Colombia since May after the detention of his friend, the journalist Carlos Marcano, says that he had never faced threats since his arrival. However, the Venezuelan regime, represented by Diosdado Cabello, has minimized the assassination attempt with homophobic comments. Peche expresses his love for Bogotá, despite this attack, and criticizes the lack of security in a context of transnational repression. As he recovers from his injuries, he highlights the importance of Colombian authorities clarifying the case and notes the need to act and to protect Venezuelan activists in exile.
Read the full news article on The Country.
