Who was Diana Turbay? Mother of Colombian leader shot in head was kidnapped By Pablo Escobar

Miguel Uribe, a Colombian senator and a presidential candidate, was shot three times during a campaign event in Bogotá on Saturday. The 39-year-old politician was hit in the head twice and once in the knee, and was immediately rushed to Santa Fe Clinic. He underwent a successful initial surgery; however, his condition still remains critical. The Santa Fe Clinic medical team stated he continues in "the most grave condition and the prognosis is reserved", as reported by AFP. Authorities have detained a 15-year-old suspect at the scene, who was found with a firearm.

Earlier, Uribe's wife had publicly appealed for collective prayers and support through 'X'. "I am María Claudia Tarazona, Miguel's wife. Miguel is currently fighting for his life. Let us ask God to guide the hands of the doctors who are treating him. I ask everyone to join us in a chain of prayer for Miguel's life. I put my faith in God," she wrote.

Miguel Uribe, who comes from a very prominent Colombian family with political history, has a past marred with tragedy. He is the son of Diana Turbay, a respected Colombian journalist and the daughter of Julio César Turbay Ayala, Colombia's 25th President. Diana, who was born in Bogotá in 1950, was known for her journalistic integrity and resistance to violence. She founded the news magazine Hoy x Hoy, which was based on ideals of not sensationalising violence, an uncommon practice in Colombia during the height of cartel activity at the time.

On 30 August 1990, Turbay, along with five other journalists, was kidnapped while they attempted to interview ELN guerrilla leader Manuel Pérez Martínez. The meeting was a trap that was set by Los Priscos, a gang which was working for drug lord Pablo Escobar. The kidnappings were said to be part of Escobar’s strategy in order to pressurise the Colombian government to end its extradition treaty with the United States.

For nearly five months, Diana Turbay was held hostage at a remote location in Copacabana near Medellín. Despite her captivity, she remained steadfast and tried to help her fellow detainees. She even reportedly warned authorities against a violent rescue attempt, earning the respect of her captors. However, on 25 January 1991, a police raid was conducted without informing her family. It was during the operation that Turbay was struck by a bullet in the back, causing severe injuries to her liver and kidney. She was later taken to a hospital in Medellín but died after surgery.

It still remains unclear whether the fatal shot was fired by her captors or the police. The Inter American Press Association said, "She had been kidnapped by Escobar to put pressure on the then president, César Gaviria, to overturn the extradition agreement with the United States." The operation was widely criticised and came to be known as a symbol of Colombia’s struggle against cartel violence. Miguel Uribe has often spoken about his mother’s influence on his public life, calling her his inspiration.