Colombia Confronts Legacy of Palace of Justice Siege on 40th Anniversary

6 hours ago7 min read

Four decades after the Palace of Justice siege, Colombia continues to grapple with the profound legacy of a two-day assault that shattered its judicial heart. On November 6, 1985, 35 M-19 guerrilla fighters stormed the nation's Supreme Court, holding hundreds hostage in a dramatic attempt to put President Belisario Betancur on a 'revolutionary trial.' The standoff ended in a devastating military raid, leaving nearly 100 people dead, including 11 Supreme Court justices. The court's president, Alfonso Reyes Echandía, was among those killed while negotiating for a ceasefire.The military's aggressive retaking of the building, using tanks and heavy firearms in Bogotá's central plaza, remains heavily criticized for prioritizing a tactical victory over hostage lives. A fierce blaze during the assault consumed the palace and incinerated vast archives of legal documents, with the cause—whether guerrilla action or military munitions—still contested.The tragedy is further compounded by the unresolved cases of the 'disappeared,' individuals last seen in military custody after the siege. The event was a pivotal moment in Colombia's complex conflict, occurring amidst fraught peace talks and rampant drug cartel violence.Persistent theories suggest the Medellín Cartel may have supported the M-19's operation to destroy extradition records. While the M-19 later demobilized and entered politics, full accountability for the siege's atrocities remains elusive.The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has condemned the Colombian state for its violations, yet high-level responsibility has not been established. For the nation, this anniversary is a somber reckoning with a deep institutional wound, underscoring an ongoing journey toward truth and reconciliation.

#Colombia

#Palace of Justice

#M-19

#guerrilla siege

#armed conflict

#anniversary

#featured

Stay Informed. Act Smarter.

Get weekly highlights, major headlines, and expert insights — then put your knowledge to work in our live prediction markets.