Petro's Strong Response to US Sanctions: I Will Not Bend the Knee

Petro's Response to US Sanctions

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is among the individuals subjected to sanctions by the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), including his wife Veronica del Socorro Alcocer Garcia, his son Nicolas Petro, and Interior Minister Armando Benedetti. Petro responded harshly to the situation on the social media platform X, stating "I will never kneel." In this post, he announced that he would conduct his legal processes through a lawyer in the US named Dany Kovalik.

Reason for the Sanctions

The US Department of the Treasury stated that under Petro's rule, cocaine production in Colombia has reached its highest levels in decades and has allowed for an increase in drug cartels. In the statement, it was noted that Petro and his family were included in the OFAC list. Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary, expressed that this situation is quite concerning, emphasizing that the relevant sanctions are necessary.

Petro's Defense

Petro remarked that "The threat from Bernie Moreno has indeed materialized," identifying the Colombian-born Republican Party Senator Bernie Moreno as one of the architects of these sanctions, adding "Despite having effectively fought against drug trafficking for decades, these sanctions were applied to me and my family." Additionally, he highlighted the determination of society, stating, "We are fighting to stop cocaine consumption. It is a complete paradox; however, I will not back down."

Trump's Criticisms

Former US President Donald Trump targeted Petro, stating “He is a rogue and a bad guy. He produces way too much drugs.” Trump also emphasized that they have stopped financial aid to Colombia and have restructured their relations with the country.