It is a battle of former mayors as Colombia goes to the polls on the today. On one side is Gustavo Petro a rebel-turned politician who was the former mayor of Bogota, on the other hand, is Rodolfo Hernández Suárez so-called TikTok king.

Colombia's Presidential elections: Second round of polls to begin

It is a battle of former mayors as Colombia goes to the polls on the 19th of June. On one side is Gustavo Petro a rebel-turned politician who was the former mayor of Bogota, on the other hand, is Rodolfo Hernández Suárez so-called TikTok king.

Colombia's Historic Presidential Polls: Former Guerrilla vs 'TikTok King'

Citing the failure of the Andean country's leader to comply with a previous ruling that demanded he protect a national park, a court in Colombia has ordered President Ivan Duque to be fined and placed under house arrest for five days.

After a constitutionally limited single, four-year term Duque is leaving office with record disapproval numbers following&nbsp;a year marked by social unrest and a violent police crackdown that drew international condemnation.

According to the country's constitution,&nbsp;Colombia's president can only be accused and investigated by a special legislative commission, political experts believe there is no chance that the order by the court will be carried out.

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In 2020, Colombia's Supreme Court had asked Duque to enact measures to protect the Los Nevados national park, including the creation of a special unit of police or military members to help carry out conservation work at the park.

Explaining the ruling, the superior court of Ibague said in a statement that it has also imposed a fine on the president of roughly $4,000.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-gustavo-petro-the-ex-guerilla-whos-top-contender-for-colombia-president-483749">Who is Gustavo Petro, the ex-guerilla who's top contender for Colombia president</a>

Insisting his government has protected Colombia's natural parks and complied with the court order to conserve the Los Nevados national park, Duque said "We've seen an inexplicable initial ruling." &nbsp;

Calling the court decision unconstitutional and insisting that the Supreme Court's order had already been carried out, Duque said evidence demonstarting his compliance with the Supreme Court's order was sent to the court in Ibague but was ignored.

Duque's successor faces a multitude of challenges, not least of which is a new cycle of murders and kidnappings as violence has surged despite a 2016 peace deal that disarmed the&nbsp;Forces of Colombia—People's Army (FARC) and officially ended the civil war.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Citing the failure of the Andean country's leader to comply with a previous ruling that demanded he protect a national park, a court in Colombia has ordered President Ivan Duque to be fined and placed under house arrest for five days.

Citing the failure of the Andean country's leader to comply with a previous ruling that demanded he protect a national park, a court in Colombia has ordered President Ivan Duque to be fined and placed under house arrest for five days. After a constitutionally limited single, four-year term Duque is leaving office with record disapproval numbers following a year marked by social unrest and a violent police crackdown that drew international condemnation. According to the country's constitution, Colombia's president can only be accused and investigated by a special legislative commission, political experts believe there is no chance that the order by the court will be carried out. In 2020, Colombia's Supreme Court had asked Duque to enact measures to protect the Los Nevados national park, including the creation of a special unit of police or military members to help carry out conservation work at the park. Explaining the ruling, the superior court of Ibague said in a statement that it has also imposed a fine on the president of roughly $4,000. Also see | Who is Gustavo Petro, the ex-guerilla who's top contender for Colombia president Insisting his government has protected Colombia's natural parks and complied with the court order to conserve the Los Nevados national park, Duque said "We've seen an inexplicable initial ruling." Calling the court decision unconstitutional and insisting that the Supreme Court's order had already been carried out, Duque said evidence demonstarting his compliance with the Supreme Court's order was sent to the court in Ibague but was ignored. Duque's successor faces a multitude of challenges, not least of which is a new cycle of murders and kidnappings as violence has surged despite a 2016 peace deal that disarmed the Forces of Colombia—People's Army (FARC) and officially ended the civil war. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Colombian court places President Ivan Duque under house arrest after he fails to protect national park

The poisonous frog Oophaga lehmanni, which was at risk of extinction due to illegal wildlife trafficking, has been saved by an alliance of Colombian scientists and environmental organisations after years of investigations and experiments.

With the hope of saving it from extinction and starting its repopulation, scientists have reproduced 29 specimens of the frog and finally released the individuals in the Colombian Pacific region.

According to Carlos Galvis, Chief Population Biologist of the Zoological Foundation of Cali, "It's a very complex species in terms of management, very difficult to reproduce and very difficult to maintain under human care. Therefore, the fact of standardising its management, achieving successful reproduction allows us to generate individuals that are currently being released."

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"We observe how they (the frogs) adapt to this ecosystem, which is theirs, but it is a constant monitoring. And the idea is that of these first 29 (frogs) in a moment there will be many more little frogs and now we can tell the world that they are not in danger of extinction," said Marco Antonio Suarez, Director General of the Autonomous Corporation of Valle del Cauca (CVC).

"As far as the illegal trade in wild animals is concerned, unfortunately there are still people on the European market who sell them for rather large sums of money and people simply want to keep them in aquariums or elsewhere without any sense," he added.

Freddy Rebolledo, Anchicaya community leader, told news agency AFP that "We had already been working with (frogs) monitoring, partially in the field, and we achieved to study the site. It is a site that previously had frogs that, due to various factors, had already become extinct."

Colombia is home to 734 frog species, more than any other country except Brazil. The Humboldt Institute, an environmental research group, says at least 160 amphibian species in Colombia are critically endangered.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The poisonous frog Oophaga lehmanni, which was at risk of extinction due to illegal wildlife trafficking, has been saved by an alliance of Colombian scientists and environmental organisations after years of investigations and experiments.

The poisonous frog Oophaga lehmanni, which was at risk of extinction due to illegal wildlife trafficking, has been saved by an alliance of Colombian scientists and environmental organisations after years of investigations and experiments. With the hope of saving it from extinction and starting its repopulation, scientists have reproduced 29 specimens of the frog and finally released the individuals in the Colombian Pacific region. According to Carlos Galvis, Chief Population Biologist of the Zoological Foundation of Cali, "It's a very complex species in terms of management, very difficult to reproduce and very difficult to maintain under human care. Therefore, the fact of standardising its management, achieving successful reproduction allows us to generate individuals that are currently being released." "We observe how they (the frogs) adapt to this ecosystem, which is theirs, but it is a constant monitoring. And the idea is that of these first 29 (frogs) in a moment there will be many more little frogs and now we can tell the world that they are not in danger of extinction," said Marco Antonio Suarez, Director General of the Autonomous Corporation of Valle del Cauca (CVC). "As far as the illegal trade in wild animals is concerned, unfortunately there are still people on the European market who sell them for rather large sums of money and people simply want to keep them in aquariums or elsewhere without any sense," he added. Freddy Rebolledo, Anchicaya community leader, told news agency AFP that "We had already been working with (frogs) monitoring, partially in the field, and we achieved to study the site. It is a site that previously had frogs that, due to various factors, had already become extinct." Colombia is home to 734 frog species, more than any other country except Brazil. The Humboldt Institute, an environmental research group, says at least 160 amphibian species in Colombia are critically endangered. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Scientists reproduce 29 specimens of endangered frogs to begin its repopulation

Gilberto&nbsp;Rodriguez&nbsp;Orejuela, a&nbsp;former&nbsp;leader of Colombia's once-powerful Cali cartel, has died in the United States while serving a 30-year&nbsp;drug&nbsp;trafficking sentence, his family said on Wednesday.

Sometimes known by his alias 'Chessplayer,'&nbsp;Rodriguez&nbsp;was extradited to the United States in 2004. The 83-year-old was serving time at a federal&nbsp;prison&nbsp;in Butner, North Carolina.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombian-drug-lord-dairo-usuga-otoniel-extradited-to-the-us-president-ivan-duque-announces-476510">Colombian drug lord Dairo Usuga 'Otoniel' extradited to the US, President Ivan Duque announces</a>

"The children and wife of Gilberto&nbsp;Rodriguez&nbsp;Orejuela&nbsp;regretfully inform that yesterday, Tuesday May 31, 2022, at 6:54 p.m., our father and husband died of a lymphoma," the family said in a statement shared by&nbsp;Rodriguez's daughter Alexandra.

They were beginning the process of extraditing his remains back to Colombia, his family said.

Watch |&nbsp;Colombia: Drug cartels found shipping weapons, officials say trade fueling violence

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Rodriguez's 1995 arrest by&nbsp;Colombian&nbsp;authorities marked the beginning of the disintegration of the Cali cartel, which once controlled 80 per cent&nbsp;of the global cocaine market, according to a contemporary report from the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Drug&nbsp;Enforcement Administration.

Rodriguez's brother Miguel was captured two months later and is also serving a sentence in the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-euthanasia-colombia-approves-assisted-medical-suicide-for-seriously-ill-patients-478584">Now, Colombia approves assisted medical suicide for seriously ill patients</a>

The brothers deployed bombs and vigilantes against their&nbsp;drug&nbsp;trafficker enemy Pablo Escobar, who was killed in a police operation in 1993, and his associates.

They also confessed to financing political campaigns, including that of Liberal Party president Ernesto Samper in 1994, who has denied having any knowledge of the donations at the time.

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Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela, a former leader of Colombia's once-powerful Cali cartel, has died in the United States while serving a 30-year drug trafficking sentence, his family said on Wednesday.

Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela, a former leader of Colombia's once-powerful Cali cartel, has died in the United States while serving a 30-year drug trafficking sentence, his family said on Wednesday. Sometimes known by his alias 'Chessplayer,' Rodriguez was extradited to the United States in 2004. The 83-year-old was serving time at a federal prison in Butner, North Carolina. Also read | Colombian drug lord Dairo Usuga 'Otoniel' extradited to the US, President Ivan Duque announces "The children and wife of Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela regretfully inform that yesterday, Tuesday May 31, 2022, at 6:54 p.m., our father and husband died of a lymphoma," the family said in a statement shared by Rodriguez's daughter Alexandra. They were beginning the process of extraditing his remains back to Colombia, his family said. Watch | Colombia: Drug cartels found shipping weapons, officials say trade fueling violence Rodriguez's 1995 arrest by Colombian authorities marked the beginning of the disintegration of the Cali cartel, which once controlled 80 per cent of the global cocaine market, according to a contemporary report from the US Drug Enforcement Administration. Rodriguez's brother Miguel was captured two months later and is also serving a sentence in the United States. Also read | Now, Colombia approves assisted medical suicide for seriously ill patients The brothers deployed bombs and vigilantes against their drug trafficker enemy Pablo Escobar, who was killed in a police operation in 1993, and his associates. They also confessed to financing political campaigns, including that of Liberal Party president Ernesto Samper in 1994, who has denied having any knowledge of the donations at the time. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former Colombian drug lord Rodriguez Orejuela dies in US prison

In an unexpected turn of events, a former leftist rebel and populist businessman has now taken the top two spots in Colombia's presidential elections that were held on the 29th of May.

Colombia Elections: Leftist Gustavo Petro claims top spot, businessman Hernandez finishes 2nd

As Colombia hopes for change with its presidential elections on May 29th, all candidates met for a final debate on Friday. While the race is between Petro and Gutierrez, Petro takes 40% opinion poll votes.

Colombia Presidential Election: Petro takes 40% opinion poll votes

Colombians&nbsp;vote on Sunday to choose a new president from among a former rebel promising generous social programs, a center-right candidate warning against a leftist economic model, and an eccentric business magnate.

Gustavo Petro, a leftist former mayor of Bogota and member of the M-19 guerrilla group and current senator, is consistently leading opinion&nbsp;polls&nbsp;with around 40 per cent&nbsp;support, ten points below what he would need to secure the presidency without a June second round.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/polarised-election-bogota-voters-weigh-presidential-options-483108">'Polarised election': Bogota voters weigh presidential options</a>

The 62-year-old has attracted backing on promises to redistribute pensions, offer free public university, and battle deep inequality.

His main opponent is Federico Gutierrez, the center-right former mayor of Medellin, who has around 25 per cent support.

Watch |&nbsp;Colombia Presidential Election: Petro takes 40% opinion poll votes

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Gutierrez has emphasized his own plans for a basic income for 5 million households, economic growth of 5&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;per year, and more efficient government spending in response to accusations he is an ideological successor to unpopular President Ivan Duque.

Gutierrez, 47, has said Petro is a threat to democracy and warned the leftist's economic plans, including a ban on new oil and gas projects, will ruin Colombia's economy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-conflict-to-cartels-all-you-need-to-know-about-colombia-482849#nearly-six-decades-of-conflict-482843">From conflict to cartels: All you need to know about Colombia</a>

Polling third in the six-way race is construction magnate and former mayor of Bucaramanga Rodolfo Hernandez, with about 20&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;support.

Hernandez, who is running independently, is known for whimsical social media videos, including of him riding an electric scooter, and anti-corruption promises. The 77-year-old is himself facing an ongoing investigation into whether he intervened in a tender to benefit a company his son lobbied for. He has denied wrongdoing.

The country's Registrar has said there is no possibility of electoral fraud, after candidates repeatedly expressed concerns about irregularities during March legislative&nbsp;elections which electoral officials classed as procedural errors.

Polls&nbsp;will open at 8 a.m. local time and close at 4 p.m. (2100 GMT). Officials have said they expects results around four hours later.

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Colombians vote on Sunday to choose a new president from among a former rebel promising generous social programs, a center-right candidate warning against a leftist economic model, and an eccentric business magnate.

Colombians vote on Sunday to choose a new president from among a former rebel promising generous social programs, a center-right candidate warning against a leftist economic model, and an eccentric business magnate. Gustavo Petro, a leftist former mayor of Bogota and member of the M-19 guerrilla group and current senator, is consistently leading opinion polls with around 40 per cent support, ten points below what he would need to secure the presidency without a June second round. Also read | 'Polarised election': Bogota voters weigh presidential options The 62-year-old has attracted backing on promises to redistribute pensions, offer free public university, and battle deep inequality. His main opponent is Federico Gutierrez, the center-right former mayor of Medellin, who has around 25 per cent support. Watch | Colombia Presidential Election: Petro takes 40% opinion poll votes Gutierrez has emphasized his own plans for a basic income for 5 million households, economic growth of 5 per cent per year, and more efficient government spending in response to accusations he is an ideological successor to unpopular President Ivan Duque. Gutierrez, 47, has said Petro is a threat to democracy and warned the leftist's economic plans, including a ban on new oil and gas projects, will ruin Colombia's economy. Also read | From conflict to cartels: All you need to know about Colombia Polling third in the six-way race is construction magnate and former mayor of Bucaramanga Rodolfo Hernandez, with about 20 per cent support. Hernandez, who is running independently, is known for whimsical social media videos, including of him riding an electric scooter, and anti-corruption promises. The 77-year-old is himself facing an ongoing investigation into whether he intervened in a tender to benefit a company his son lobbied for. He has denied wrongdoing. The country's Registrar has said there is no possibility of electoral fraud, after candidates repeatedly expressed concerns about irregularities during March legislative elections which electoral officials classed as procedural errors. Polls will open at 8 a.m. local time and close at 4 p.m. (2100 GMT). Officials have said they expects results around four hours later. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Colombians head to polls in divisive presidential election

Colombia Presidential election: Petro and Gutierrez go head to head

They appear at nightfall, dragging heavy carts from dustbin to dustbin in the affluent northern suburbs of the Colombian capital&nbsp;Bogota.

Informal recyclers, they rifle through the&nbsp;trash&nbsp;of the&nbsp;rich&nbsp;looking for waste plastic, glass bottles and cardboard they can sell for a handful of pesos.

It is back-breaking work for little reward, but a salvation for thousands&nbsp;in a country where one in eight city dwellers is unemployed, and the poverty rate approaches 40 percent.

"This life is hard, but it is my only option to survive," Jesus Maria Perez, 52, told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-conflict-to-cartels-all-you-need-to-know-about-colombia-482849">From conflict to cartels: All you need to know about Colombia</a>

Men, women and even children: these waste pickers are the face of the misery that candidate after candidate for Sunday's first round of presidential elections has vowed to eradicate.

Many, Perez included, are among the estimated 1.8 million migrants to have fled neighbouring Venezuela in search of a better life in Colombia -- Latin America's fourth-largest economy but one of the world's most unequal.

In 2020, according to the&nbsp;Bogota&nbsp;city council, 25,000 of the capital's eight million inhabitants worked as informal rubbish recyclers.

On average, each earns between 12,000 and 18,000 pesos ($3 to $4.50) daily for their efforts, according to Alvaro Nocua of the "Give Me Your Hand" association set up to help this community.

Watch |&nbsp;Colombians mark 1-year anniversary of national strikes

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<h3>Human work horses</h3>

For Perez, who used to be a cook in Venezuela, it is a struggle to meet his daily goal of 40,000 pesos -- about $10 -- to cover his one meal a day, a bed for the night and parking for his wooden cart.

He has no horse or donkey to pull the heavy burden: the&nbsp;Bogota&nbsp;municipality banned the practice eight years ago to combat animal abuse.

And as few can afford a self-propelled vehicle, it is people who do the heavy lifting, pulling their carts for kilometres&nbsp;every day.

Whole families take part in the endeavour; the parents wading through the garbage as little ones wait in the cart, playing among the rubbish.

Bogota&nbsp;produces nearly 7,500 tons of waste every day, of which as much as 16 percent, municipal data shows, is recycled by people like Perez.&nbsp;

Nearly 80 percent of Colombian households did not recycle or even separate their waste at home, according to 2019 figures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-euthanasia-colombia-approves-assisted-medical-suicide-for-seriously-ill-patients-478584">Now, Colombia approves assisted medical suicide for seriously ill patients</a>

<h3>A small income</h3>

Martha Munoz, 45, runs a small recycling station where she buys waste from the informal collectors before reselling it to one of 15 large centres in&nbsp;Bogota.

"Many of those who come here live on the street; this allows them to have a small income," she told AFP.

Munoz said she raised her seven children with her recycling income -- one is a lawyer today and another an engineer.

Perez's expectations are shorter term.

On the day AFP met him, he had managed to earn only 25,000 pesos, just over half of what he needs.

Subtracting the rent for his room in a filthy boarding house in a rough neighbourhood and expenses for parking his cart, Perez is left with just 1,000 pesos -- about a quarter of a US dollar.

To make up the difference, he sets out again, this time to sell candy and bin bags on the street.

In this way, he collects enough to pay for his first and only meal of the day: a small sachet of rice with a bit of meat.

According to the World Bank, Colombia is one of the countries with the highest income inequality and biggest informal labor markets in Latin America.

Colombians go to the polls Sunday for elections in which deepening economic woes -- which gave rise to deadly protests last year -- are a key campaign issue.

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They appear at nightfall, dragging heavy carts from dustbin to dustbin in the affluent northern suburbs of the Colombian capital Bogota. Informal recyclers, they rifle through the trash of the rich looking for waste plastic, glass bottles and cardboard they can sell for a handful of pesos.

They appear at nightfall, dragging heavy carts from dustbin to dustbin in the affluent northern suburbs of the Colombian capital Bogota. Informal recyclers, they rifle through the trash of the rich looking for waste plastic, glass bottles and cardboard they can sell for a handful of pesos. It is back-breaking work for little reward, but a salvation for thousands in a country where one in eight city dwellers is unemployed, and the poverty rate approaches 40 percent. "This life is hard, but it is my only option to survive," Jesus Maria Perez, 52, told AFP. Also read | From conflict to cartels: All you need to know about Colombia Men, women and even children: these waste pickers are the face of the misery that candidate after candidate for Sunday's first round of presidential elections has vowed to eradicate. Many, Perez included, are among the estimated 1.8 million migrants to have fled neighbouring Venezuela in search of a better life in Colombia -- Latin America's fourth-largest economy but one of the world's most unequal. In 2020, according to the Bogota city council, 25,000 of the capital's eight million inhabitants worked as informal rubbish recyclers. On average, each earns between 12,000 and 18,000 pesos ($3 to $4.50) daily for their efforts, according to Alvaro Nocua of the "Give Me Your Hand" association set up to help this community. Watch | Colombians mark 1-year anniversary of national strikes Human work horses For Perez, who used to be a cook in Venezuela, it is a struggle to meet his daily goal of 40,000 pesos -- about $10 -- to cover his one meal a day, a bed for the night and parking for his wooden cart. He has no horse or donkey to pull the heavy burden: the Bogota municipality banned the practice eight years ago to combat animal abuse. And as few can afford a self-propelled vehicle, it is people who do the heavy lifting, pulling their carts for kilometres every day. Whole families take part in the endeavour; the parents wading through the garbage as little ones wait in the cart, playing among the rubbish. Bogota produces nearly 7,500 tons of waste every day, of which as much as 16 percent, municipal data shows, is recycled by people like Perez. Nearly 80 percent of Colombian households did not recycle or even separate their waste at home, according to 2019 figures. Also read | Now, Colombia approves assisted medical suicide for seriously ill patients A small income Martha Munoz, 45, runs a small recycling station where she buys waste from the informal collectors before reselling it to one of 15 large centres in Bogota. "Many of those who come here live on the street; this allows them to have a small income," she told AFP. Munoz said she raised her seven children with her recycling income -- one is a lawyer today and another an engineer. Perez's expectations are shorter term. On the day AFP met him, he had managed to earn only 25,000 pesos, just over half of what he needs. Subtracting the rent for his room in a filthy boarding house in a rough neighbourhood and expenses for parking his cart, Perez is left with just 1,000 pesos -- about a quarter of a US dollar. To make up the difference, he sets out again, this time to sell candy and bin bags on the street. In this way, he collects enough to pay for his first and only meal of the day: a small sachet of rice with a bit of meat. According to the World Bank, Colombia is one of the countries with the highest income inequality and biggest informal labor markets in Latin America. Colombians go to the polls Sunday for elections in which deepening economic woes -- which gave rise to deadly protests last year -- are a key campaign issue. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In Bogota, trash of the rich becomes lifeline for the poor

From conflict to cartels: All you need to know about Colombia

Assisted medical suicide for patients has been authorised in Colombia on Thursday, media reports said. The move has made it the first Latin American country to come up with such a ruling. The measure can now be taken under the supervision of a doctor, as per a decision of a constitutional court. A seriously ill patient can now be helped by a doctor to end his own life. This can be done by taking a lethal pill. The person will not be charged or jailed, the country's apex court ruled. &nbsp;

The court ruling, which was passed by six votes to three on Thursday, said, "The doctor who helps someone with intense suffering or serious illness and who freely decides to dispose of their own life, acts within the constitutional framework." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-where-euthanasia-assisted-suicide-is-legal-281943" hreflang="en">Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal</a>

In 1997, Colombia decriminalised euthanasia. A high court in July 2021 expanded the "right to dignified death" for patients not suffering from a terminal illness. &nbsp;

Euthanasia is where a doctor administers a life-ending pill to a patient. &nbsp;

Since 1997, around 200 people have chosen euthanasia in Colombia, as per official data. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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This has happened even when the nation is mostly Roman Catholic. Euthanasia and assisted suicide are generally opposed to the church. &nbsp;

The difference between euthanasia and assisted suicide "is basically who administers the drug", as per the Right to Die with Dignity foundation (DMD). &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

Assisted medical suicide for patients has been authorised in Colombia on Thursday, media reports said. The move has made it the first Latin American country to come up with such a ruling.

Assisted medical suicide for patients has been authorised in Colombia on Thursday, media reports said. The move has made it the first Latin American country to come up with such a ruling. The measure can now be taken under the supervision of a doctor, as per a decision of a constitutional court. A seriously ill patient can now be helped by a doctor to end his own life. This can be done by taking a lethal pill. The person will not be charged or jailed, the country's apex court ruled. The court ruling, which was passed by six votes to three on Thursday, said, "The doctor who helps someone with intense suffering or serious illness and who freely decides to dispose of their own life, acts within the constitutional framework." Also Read: Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal In 1997, Colombia decriminalised euthanasia. A high court in July 2021 expanded the "right to dignified death" for patients not suffering from a terminal illness. Euthanasia is where a doctor administers a life-ending pill to a patient. Since 1997, around 200 people have chosen euthanasia in Colombia, as per official data. WATCH WION LIVE HERE This has happened even when the nation is mostly Roman Catholic. Euthanasia and assisted suicide are generally opposed to the church. The difference between euthanasia and assisted suicide "is basically who administers the drug", as per the Right to Die with Dignity foundation (DMD). (With inputs from agencies)

Now, Colombia approves assisted medical suicide for seriously ill patients

Colombian drug trafficker Dairo Usuga, also known as ‘Otoniel’, has been extradited to the United States. Colombian president Ivan Duque took to Twitter to announce the extradition. "I want to reveal that Dairo Antonio Usuga, alias 'Otoniel' has been extradited," Duque tweeted on Wednesday.

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"Today legality, the rule of law, the security forces and justice triumphed," he added.

Usuga&nbsp;lead the drug cartel known as ‘Clan del Golfo’ who used to control cocaine routes through Mexico, will be facing multiple charges in both New York and Florida district courts.&nbsp; 
 
The extradition was approved by the Colombian president after he was captured in the Uraba region in Antioquia province by the authorities in October. Duque went on to call it "the biggest arrest of a narco-trafficker by the Colombian police since the days of Pablo Escobar."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-modi-french-president-macron-hold-talks-call-for-end-to-russia-ukraine-war-476483">Indian PM, French president hold talks, call for end to Russia-Ukraine war</a>

After the declaration, an appeal was filed from the families who suffered at the hands of Usuga and his gang to prosecute him in Colombia, but the request was denied by the Colombian State Council.

According to the Colombian state department, Usuga faces 122 charges for drug trafficking, criminal association, murder and money laundering. The gang was considered to be one of the most dangerous in the country and the authorities were not able to determine the total number of lives which were lost or affected by the activity and businesses conducted by Usuga and his gang members.

Colombian drug trafficker Dairo Usuga, also known as ‘Otoniel’, has been extradited to the United States. Colombian president Ivan Duque took to Twitter to announce the extradition.

Colombian drug trafficker Dairo Usuga, also known as ‘Otoniel’, has been extradited to the United States. Colombian president Ivan Duque took to Twitter to announce the extradition. "I want to reveal that Dairo Antonio Usuga, alias 'Otoniel' has been extradited," Duque tweeted on Wednesday. Also read | Chinese woman pinned down as COVID-19 test conducted forcibly - WATCH "Today legality, the rule of law, the security forces and justice triumphed," he added. Usuga lead the drug cartel known as ‘Clan del Golfo’ who used to control cocaine routes through Mexico, will be facing multiple charges in both New York and Florida district courts. The extradition was approved by the Colombian president after he was captured in the Uraba region in Antioquia province by the authorities in October. Duque went on to call it "the biggest arrest of a narco-trafficker by the Colombian police since the days of Pablo Escobar." Also read | Indian PM, French president hold talks, call for end to Russia-Ukraine war After the declaration, an appeal was filed from the families who suffered at the hands of Usuga and his gang to prosecute him in Colombia, but the request was denied by the Colombian State Council. According to the Colombian state department, Usuga faces 122 charges for drug trafficking, criminal association, murder and money laundering. The gang was considered to be one of the most dangerous in the country and the authorities were not able to determine the total number of lives which were lost or affected by the activity and businesses conducted by Usuga and his gang members.

Colombian drug lord Dairo Usuga 'Otoniel' extradited to the US, President Ivan Duque announces

Students and activists took the streets of the capital holding protests on the one-year anniversary of the national strikes. The protest turned violent with the crowds clashing with the Colombian police and pelting stones at police. The police forces retaliated by firing tear gas and flash bombs.

Colombians mark 1-year anniversary of national strikes

Toxic foam from a Colombian river spills into town, affecting residents' livelihoods and health

A Critically endangered Cotton-top Tamarin species monkey was born in a Colombia zoo and was shown to the public. Watch this report to know more.

Critically endangered Cotton-top Tamarin species monkey born in Colombia zoo

It's a journey like no other. This shocking viral video shows how this woman is using a precarious zipline to get to another village on the other side of a deep canyon.

This is how children go to school here

This is how children go to school here...

Colombians voted for senator and former guerrilla Gustavo Petro as the left's presidential nominee by a wide margin on Sunday, making him the front runner in an election that could yield the country's first-ever leftist leader in May.

As predicted, the 61-year-old came out on top in the primaries -- called inter-party "consultations" -- which took place alongside elections for the Senate and House of Representatives, currently in the hands of right-wing parties.

But leftist candidates were projected to win the most seats in&nbsp;Colombia's Senate, as well as contending for second place in the lower house, partial results showed.

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With more than 90 percent of polling stations counted, the left's Historical Pact coalition is set to win 17 of the 102 seats in the upper house, according to electoral authority figures.&nbsp;

In the lower house, it looks set to take 25 of the 165 seats in a tie with the Conservatives and behind the Liberals.

Nearly 39 million of&nbsp;Colombia's 50 million inhabitants were eligible to vote in a complex but critical election in a country plagued by violence and growing poverty levels.

"Colombia&nbsp;saw an election day with transparency and respect for rights," election authority head Alexander Vega said, referring to a largely incident-free vote.

Rejection of violence

Outgoing President Ivan Duque -- who called on Colombians to vote as a "rejection of violence" through the "triumph of democracy" -- had promised safety "guarantees" for the non-compulsory vote.

The polls came with the president and legislature both at rock-bottom levels of public support.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-says-at-least-23-farc-dissidents-killed-in-operation-456571">Colombia says at least 23 FARC dissidents killed in operation</a>

Colombia&nbsp;has always been ruled by the political right. But polls show that Petro -- a former guerrilla, ex-Bogota mayor and senator -- stands a real chance of winning.

Centrist Ingrid Betancourt, who was once held hostage by the guerrillas of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;(FARC), won her coalition's nomination Sunday. She presents herself as an alternative to both the ruling right and Petro.

Sunday's process is to yield three presidential contenders from 15 candidates hoping to represent groups of politically aligned parties -- one each for the left, right and center.

Three others have already been chosen by their respective groupings.

Six finalists will face off in a first round of presidential elections on May 29, which will be followed by a runoff on June 19 if no one wins an outright majority.

Petro came away with more than 80 percent of the vote for the Historical Pact coalition, winning against environmentalist Francia Marquez, who snagged 15 percent of the left's vote, to represent the group at the polls this spring.&nbsp;

&nbsp;First leftist president?&nbsp;

Voters flocked to the polls in Bogota, although heavy rains at midday threatened turnout.

"I vote to change this Congress, where it is always the same people who do nothing" for years, nurse Carolina Lopez, 30, told AFP.

Colombia's distrust of the left is widely associated with FARC and other rebel groups that fought the government in a nearly six-decade civil conflict.

"When the government is unpopular, there is alternation and the opposition wins, but in&nbsp;Colombia, this is new: the left has never really been in a position to win an election," said analyst Yann Basset of the Rosario University in Bogota.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombian-court-decriminalises-abortion-up-to-24-weeks-of-gestation-455226">Colombian court decriminalises abortion up to 24 weeks of gestation</a>

In 2018, Petro lost the presidential race to Duque, who is leaving office as his country's most unpopular president in history following a year marked by social unrest and a violent police crackdown that drew international condemnation.

"Today, change starts at the polls, with a vote that supports hope and life in&nbsp;Colombia," Petro said while voting.

It is also Betancourt's second presidential run: she was abducted 20 years ago while campaigning and held captive in the jungle for more than six years.

Her vice presidential running mate is set to be retired colonel Jose Luis Esparza, who rescued Betancourt from her FARC captors.

Colombian presidents serve a non-renewable four-year term.

At midday, the government said there was "total normality" in voting throughout the country. But the army reported two soldiers had been killed and another two wounded in bomb attacks in southern&nbsp;Colombia.&nbsp;

The country's election authority confirmed an attempted cyberattack against its website before polling had begun, which they said was immediately controlled.

Watch |&nbsp;Colombia's highest court legalises abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/colombias-highest-court-legalises-abortion-up-to-24-weeks-of-pregnancy-455345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

And Interior Minister Daniel Palacios said there had been 662 reports of incidents related to the vote, including 166 complaints, 120 cases of voter coercion and 120 cases of attempted bribery.

&nbsp;Economy dominates&nbsp;

Duque's successor faces a multitude of challenges, not least of which is a new cycle of murders and kidnappings as violence has surged despite the 2016 peace deal that disarmed the FARC and officially ended the civil war.

Colombians voted for senator and former guerrilla Gustavo Petro as the left's presidential nominee by a wide margin on Sunday, making him the front runner in an election that could yield the country's first-ever leftist leader in May.

Colombians voted for senator and former guerrilla Gustavo Petro as the left's presidential nominee by a wide margin on Sunday, making him the front runner in an election that could yield the country's first-ever leftist leader in May. As predicted, the 61-year-old came out on top in the primaries -- called inter-party "consultations" -- which took place alongside elections for the Senate and House of Representatives, currently in the hands of right-wing parties. But leftist candidates were projected to win the most seats in Colombia's Senate, as well as contending for second place in the lower house, partial results showed. Also read | High level visits from Colombia, Mexico to India in few weeks With more than 90 percent of polling stations counted, the left's Historical Pact coalition is set to win 17 of the 102 seats in the upper house, according to electoral authority figures. In the lower house, it looks set to take 25 of the 165 seats in a tie with the Conservatives and behind the Liberals. Nearly 39 million of Colombia's 50 million inhabitants were eligible to vote in a complex but critical election in a country plagued by violence and growing poverty levels. "Colombia saw an election day with transparency and respect for rights," election authority head Alexander Vega said, referring to a largely incident-free vote. Rejection of violence Outgoing President Ivan Duque -- who called on Colombians to vote as a "rejection of violence" through the "triumph of democracy" -- had promised safety "guarantees" for the non-compulsory vote. The polls came with the president and legislature both at rock-bottom levels of public support. Also read | Colombia says at least 23 FARC dissidents killed in operation Colombia has always been ruled by the political right. But polls show that Petro -- a former guerrilla, ex-Bogota mayor and senator -- stands a real chance of winning. Centrist Ingrid Betancourt, who was once held hostage by the guerrillas of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), won her coalition's nomination Sunday. She presents herself as an alternative to both the ruling right and Petro. Sunday's process is to yield three presidential contenders from 15 candidates hoping to represent groups of politically aligned parties -- one each for the left, right and center. Three others have already been chosen by their respective groupings. Six finalists will face off in a first round of presidential elections on May 29, which will be followed by a runoff on June 19 if no one wins an outright majority. Petro came away with more than 80 percent of the vote for the Historical Pact coalition, winning against environmentalist Francia Marquez, who snagged 15 percent of the left's vote, to represent the group at the polls this spring. First leftist president? Voters flocked to the polls in Bogota, although heavy rains at midday threatened turnout. "I vote to change this Congress, where it is always the same people who do nothing" for years, nurse Carolina Lopez, 30, told AFP. Colombia's distrust of the left is widely associated with FARC and other rebel groups that fought the government in a nearly six-decade civil conflict. "When the government is unpopular, there is alternation and the opposition wins, but in Colombia, this is new: the left has never really been in a position to win an election," said analyst Yann Basset of the Rosario University in Bogota. Also read | Colombian court decriminalises abortion up to 24 weeks of gestation In 2018, Petro lost the presidential race to Duque, who is leaving office as his country's most unpopular president in history following a year marked by social unrest and a violent police crackdown that drew international condemnation. "Today, change starts at the polls, with a vote that supports hope and life in Colombia," Petro said while voting. It is also Betancourt's second presidential run: she was abducted 20 years ago while campaigning and held captive in the jungle for more than six years. Her vice presidential running mate is set to be retired colonel Jose Luis Esparza, who rescued Betancourt from her FARC captors. Colombian presidents serve a non-renewable four-year term. At midday, the government said there was "total normality" in voting throughout the country. But the army reported two soldiers had been killed and another two wounded in bomb attacks in southern Colombia. The country's election authority confirmed an attempted cyberattack against its website before polling had begun, which they said was immediately controlled. Watch | Colombia's highest court legalises abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy And Interior Minister Daniel Palacios said there had been 662 reports of incidents related to the vote, including 166 complaints, 120 cases of voter coercion and 120 cases of attempted bribery. Economy dominates Duque's successor faces a multitude of challenges, not least of which is a new cycle of murders and kidnappings as violence has surged despite the 2016 peace deal that disarmed the FARC and officially ended the civil war.

Ex-guerrilla Petro front runner in Colombia presidential primaries

Left coalition leader Gustavo Petro secured the nomination of the left-wing Historic Pact coalition during voting in primaries. In the Historic Pact primary, Petro won more than 80% - some 3.5 million votes - with around 80% of precincts reporting. Gutierrez won more than 54% - some 1.7 million ballots - in the primary for a coalition representing a sector of Colombia's right-wing, with about 80% counted.

Can Gustavo Petro break the jinx ? Leftist candidate emerges most popular

A bombardment carried out by Colombia's armed forces killed 23 FARC dissidents on Thursday as part of a military offensive to seize control of an area in the northeast of the country that sits on the border with Venezuela, the government said.

Dissident members of the demobilised Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rejected a 2016 peace deal with the government. The dissidents have become a security threat, according to the government, which accuses them of murdering community leaders and civilians.

According to Defense Minister Diego Molano, military planes and helicopters took part in the bombardment in the municipality of Puerto Rondon, in Colombia's Arauca province. He said Jorge Eliecer Jimenez, known as Arturo, the FARC dissident commander in Arauca, was among the dead.

At a news conference at the site of the operation, Molano said the following: "Colombia and Arauca have been liberated from a criminal, from a FARC-dissident leader of the FARC dissidents to bring more security, more peace, and better protect the people of Arauca," Molano said in a news conference at the site of the operation.

Arauca, which plays an important role in Colombia's oil and cattle ranching industries, has seen growing violence in which more than 60 people have died so far this year, according to Colombia's human rights ombudsman.

FARC dissidents allied with the leftist-guerrilla National Liberation Army (ELN) are fighting for control of drug-trafficking in the region against a rival FARC dissident group led by Arturo.

The government in Bogota accuses Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro of harboring FARC dissidents and members of the ELN who cross the border to launch attacks in Colombia, something Maduro has repeatedly denied.

A bombardment carried out by Colombia's armed forces killed 23 FARC dissidents on Thursday as part of a military offensive to seize control of an area in the northeast of the country that sits on the border with Venezuela, the government said.

A bombardment carried out by Colombia's armed forces killed 23 FARC dissidents on Thursday as part of a military offensive to seize control of an area in the northeast of the country that sits on the border with Venezuela, the government said. Dissident members of the demobilised Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rejected a 2016 peace deal with the government. The dissidents have become a security threat, according to the government, which accuses them of murdering community leaders and civilians. According to Defense Minister Diego Molano, military planes and helicopters took part in the bombardment in the municipality of Puerto Rondon, in Colombia's Arauca province. He said Jorge Eliecer Jimenez, known as Arturo, the FARC dissident commander in Arauca, was among the dead. At a news conference at the site of the operation, Molano said the following: "Colombia and Arauca have been liberated from a criminal, from a FARC-dissident leader of the FARC dissidents to bring more security, more peace, and better protect the people of Arauca," Molano said in a news conference at the site of the operation. Arauca, which plays an important role in Colombia's oil and cattle ranching industries, has seen growing violence in which more than 60 people have died so far this year, according to Colombia's human rights ombudsman. FARC dissidents allied with the leftist-guerrilla National Liberation Army (ELN) are fighting for control of drug-trafficking in the region against a rival FARC dissident group led by Arturo. The government in Bogota accuses Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro of harboring FARC dissidents and members of the ELN who cross the border to launch attacks in Colombia, something Maduro has repeatedly denied.

Colombia says at least 23 FARC dissidents killed in operation

A bombardment carried out by&nbsp;Colombia's&nbsp;armed&nbsp;forces&nbsp;killed&nbsp;23&nbsp;FARC dissidents on Thursday as part of a military offensive to seize control of an area in the northeast of the country which sits on the border with Venezuela, the government said.

Dissident&nbsp;members&nbsp;of the demobilised Revolutionary&nbsp;Armed&nbsp;Forces of&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;(FARC) reject a 2016 peace deal with the government. The dissidents have become a security threat, according to the government, which accuses them of murdering community&nbsp;leaders and civilians.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombian-court-decriminalises-abortion-up-to-24-weeks-of-gestation-455226">Colombian court decriminalises abortion up to 24 weeks of gestation</a>

Military planes and helicopters took part in the bombardment in the municipality of Puerto Rondon, in&nbsp;Colombia's&nbsp;Arauca&nbsp;province, according to Defence Minister Diego Molano. He said Jorge Eliecer Jimenez, known as Arturo, the FARC dissident commander in&nbsp;Arauca, was among the dead.

"Colombia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Arauca&nbsp;have been liberated from a criminal, from a FARC-dissident&nbsp;leader&nbsp;of the FARC dissidents to bring more security, more peace, and better protect the people of&nbsp;Arauca," Molano said in a news conference at the site of the operation.

Arauca, which plays an important role in&nbsp;Colombia's oil and cattle ranching industries, has seen growing violence in which more than 60 people have died so far this year, according to&nbsp;Colombia's human rights ombudsman.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-fires-colombia-issues-environmental-alert-over-bad-air-quality-451004">Amazon fires: Colombia issues environmental alert over bad air quality</a>

FARC dissidents allied with the leftist-guerrilla National Liberation Army (ELN) are fighting for control of drug-trafficking in the region against a rival FARC dissident group led by Arturo.

The government in Bogota accuses Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro of harbouring FARC dissidents and&nbsp;members&nbsp;of the ELN who cross the border to launch attacks in&nbsp;Colombia, something Maduro has repeatedly denied.

A bombardment carried out by Colombia's armed forces killed 23 FARC dissidents on Thursday as part of a military offensive to seize control of an area in the northeast of the country which sits on the border with Venezuela, the government said.

A bombardment carried out by Colombia's armed forces killed 23 FARC dissidents on Thursday as part of a military offensive to seize control of an area in the northeast of the country which sits on the border with Venezuela, the government said. Dissident members of the demobilised Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) reject a 2016 peace deal with the government. The dissidents have become a security threat, according to the government, which accuses them of murdering community leaders and civilians. Also read | Colombian court decriminalises abortion up to 24 weeks of gestation Military planes and helicopters took part in the bombardment in the municipality of Puerto Rondon, in Colombia's Arauca province, according to Defence Minister Diego Molano. He said Jorge Eliecer Jimenez, known as Arturo, the FARC dissident commander in Arauca, was among the dead. "Colombia and Arauca have been liberated from a criminal, from a FARC-dissident leader of the FARC dissidents to bring more security, more peace, and better protect the people of Arauca," Molano said in a news conference at the site of the operation. Arauca, which plays an important role in Colombia's oil and cattle ranching industries, has seen growing violence in which more than 60 people have died so far this year, according to Colombia's human rights ombudsman. Also read | Amazon fires: Colombia issues environmental alert over bad air quality FARC dissidents allied with the leftist-guerrilla National Liberation Army (ELN) are fighting for control of drug-trafficking in the region against a rival FARC dissident group led by Arturo. The government in Bogota accuses Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro of harbouring FARC dissidents and members of the ELN who cross the border to launch attacks in Colombia, something Maduro has repeatedly denied.

Colombia says it killed 23 members of armed groups, including one leader, in Arauca

Judges on&nbsp;Colombia's constitutional court voted on Monday to decriminalize abortion until 24 weeks of gestation, the court said in a statement, in a victory for abortion rights groups that sued to have the procedure removed from the penal code.&nbsp;

The decision adds&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;to a list of Latin American countries which have recently liberalized abortion access, including Mexico and Ecuador.&nbsp;

Abortion was partially legalized in&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;under a 2006 court decision which allowed it only in cases of rape, fatal fetal deformity and health of the woman, without any time limits.&nbsp;

Under Monday's ruling, backed by five of nine judges, women will not be prosecuted for seeking abortions up to 24 weeks of gestation, after which the procedure will only be allowed under the original three conditions.&nbsp;

"The practice of abortion will only be punishable when it is conducted after the twenty-fourth week of gestation and, in all cases, this time limit will not apply to the three conditions laid out in Ruling C-355 of 2006," the court said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/end-of-the-road-in-colombia-for-escobars-cocaine-hippos-451184">End of the road in Colombia for Escobar's 'cocaine' hippos?</a>

Congress and the national government must urgently implement policies to protect the rights of pregnant women, the court's statement added, including family planning services, eliminating obstacles to abortion care and help with adoptions.&nbsp;

The Causa Justa coalition, which sued for decriminalization in September 2020, estimates around 90% of abortions in the country take place clandestinely, putting women's lives at risk as they seek dangerous alternatives to seeing a doctor. "We did it!" the coalition, which is made up of more than 90 feminist organizations, said on its Twitter account.&nbsp;

Its supporters, many sporting green to represent the abortion rights movement and some crying, celebrated outside the court.&nbsp;

CHANGE ACROSS THE REGION

Mexico's Supreme Court decriminalized abortion last year, while Ecuador's National Assembly last week approved regulations to allow access to abortion in cases of rape.&nbsp;

Incoming Chilean President Gabriel Boric has vowed to make the procedure freely available, as it is in Argentina and Uruguay under certain time limits.&nbsp;

Abortion rights advocates said the decision was not the end of their fight for full legalization.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-fires-colombia-issues-environmental-alert-over-bad-air-quality-451004">Amazon fires: Colombia issues environmental alert over bad air quality</a>

"We hope that the next step for&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;will be the total decriminalization of abortion, in order to protect women's reproductive autonomy at all times," Nancy Northup, president of the New York City-based Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a statement.&nbsp;

The coalition argued in its suit that prosecutions of women and girls who sought or obtained abortions have worsened stigma and scared doctors and patients, even in cases when one of the three legal conditions has applied.&nbsp;

Some 350 women were convicted or sanctioned for abortions between the original 2006 ruling and mid-2019, including at least 80 girls under the age of 18, according to Causa Justa.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Farmers in Colombia expect flower exports to surge this year

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/farmers-in-colombia-expect-flower-exports-to-surge-this-year-452799/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Decriminalization will reduce deaths from clandestine procedures, save the under-funded health system money, end expensive prosecutions and guarantee women's bodily autonomy, the group said.&nbsp;

A ruling had originally been expected late last year, but the decision has been repeatedly delayed amid a recusal request from a judge and other procedural debates.&nbsp;

Dozens of protesters opposed to abortion were also outside the court on Monday.&nbsp;

"We don't want either legal or clandestine abortion," said Daniela Clavijo, who was protesting before the ruling. "We are asking the court to totally penalize abortion, so there's never any condition for abortion."&nbsp;

Judges on Colombia's constitutional court voted on Monday to decriminalize abortion until 24 weeks of gestation, the court said in a statement, in a victory for abortion rights groups that sued to have the procedure removed from the penal code.

Judges on Colombia's constitutional court voted on Monday to decriminalize abortion until 24 weeks of gestation, the court said in a statement, in a victory for abortion rights groups that sued to have the procedure removed from the penal code. The decision adds Colombia to a list of Latin American countries which have recently liberalized abortion access, including Mexico and Ecuador. Abortion was partially legalized in Colombia under a 2006 court decision which allowed it only in cases of rape, fatal fetal deformity and health of the woman, without any time limits. Under Monday's ruling, backed by five of nine judges, women will not be prosecuted for seeking abortions up to 24 weeks of gestation, after which the procedure will only be allowed under the original three conditions. "The practice of abortion will only be punishable when it is conducted after the twenty-fourth week of gestation and, in all cases, this time limit will not apply to the three conditions laid out in Ruling C-355 of 2006," the court said in a statement. Also read | End of the road in Colombia for Escobar's 'cocaine' hippos? Congress and the national government must urgently implement policies to protect the rights of pregnant women, the court's statement added, including family planning services, eliminating obstacles to abortion care and help with adoptions. The Causa Justa coalition, which sued for decriminalization in September 2020, estimates around 90% of abortions in the country take place clandestinely, putting women's lives at risk as they seek dangerous alternatives to seeing a doctor. "We did it!" the coalition, which is made up of more than 90 feminist organizations, said on its Twitter account. Its supporters, many sporting green to represent the abortion rights movement and some crying, celebrated outside the court. CHANGE ACROSS THE REGION Mexico's Supreme Court decriminalized abortion last year, while Ecuador's National Assembly last week approved regulations to allow access to abortion in cases of rape. Incoming Chilean President Gabriel Boric has vowed to make the procedure freely available, as it is in Argentina and Uruguay under certain time limits. Abortion rights advocates said the decision was not the end of their fight for full legalization. Also read | Amazon fires: Colombia issues environmental alert over bad air quality "We hope that the next step for Colombia will be the total decriminalization of abortion, in order to protect women's reproductive autonomy at all times," Nancy Northup, president of the New York City-based Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a statement. The coalition argued in its suit that prosecutions of women and girls who sought or obtained abortions have worsened stigma and scared doctors and patients, even in cases when one of the three legal conditions has applied. Some 350 women were convicted or sanctioned for abortions between the original 2006 ruling and mid-2019, including at least 80 girls under the age of 18, according to Causa Justa. Watch | Farmers in Colombia expect flower exports to surge this year Decriminalization will reduce deaths from clandestine procedures, save the under-funded health system money, end expensive prosecutions and guarantee women's bodily autonomy, the group said. A ruling had originally been expected late last year, but the decision has been repeatedly delayed amid a recusal request from a judge and other procedural debates. Dozens of protesters opposed to abortion were also outside the court on Monday. "We don't want either legal or clandestine abortion," said Daniela Clavijo, who was protesting before the ruling. "We are asking the court to totally penalize abortion, so there's never any condition for abortion."

Colombian court decriminalises abortion up to 24 weeks of gestation

Colombia's highest court has decriminalised abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. Before the ruling, Colombia allowed abortions only when a woman's life was in danger, a fetus had malformations or a pregnancy resulted from rape.

Colombia's highest court legalises abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy

62-year-old survivor Alvaro Alzate survived a landslide that killed his family members and neighbours. At least 16 people died this week after a rush of mud and water tore through homes in Pereira, Colombia. Alzate recalled the moment he emerged alive amid mud and debris.

A glimmer of hope among tragedy in Colombia

At least 14 people have died another 35 injured in a landslide in central Colombia which was triggered by torrential rain. The calamity struck the region followed by heavy rain in the surrounding coffee growing province here.

At least 14 people died and 35 injured in a landslide in central Colombia

More than 100 African hippos descended from fewer than a handful imported as exotic pets by drug lord Pablo Escobar, face an uncertain future in Colombia.

After the government added Escobar's so-called "cocaine" hippos Friday to a list of "introduced, invasive species," experts say killing them may be the only viable option.

From the few individuals once housed at Escobar's Hacienda Napoles estate, the hippos' numbers have ballooned, with 130 now roaming free north of Bogota around the Magdalena River.

Officials say the grazing giants, endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, threaten local wildlife and humans living along the river, whom they have already come into conflict with.

Attempts have been made to sterilize the animals, which can weigh as much as 1.8 tons, but doing so is expensive and difficult.

"Sacrifice (culling) remains on the table," said David Echeverri, head of the Cornare state environmental agency in charge of the sterilization effort.

"It is a necessary option... it could be the only way to stop the problem from getting worse," he told AFP.

Escobar, once head of the deadly Medellin Cartel, became one of the richest men on the planet, according to Forbes, thanks to the drug trafficking empire he built.

With his wealth he built a menagerie, acquiring hippos, flamingos, giraffes, zebras and kangaroos for his ranch.

After he was shot dead by police in 1993, all but the hippopotamuses were sold to zoos.

The semi-aquatic ungulates were left to roam Escobar's estate and continued breeding.

They are now believed to be the largest so-called "bloat" of hippopotamuses outside of Africa.

'Complex, expensive and dangerous'

The creatures have long been a headache for authorities faced with a vocal anti-culling campaign.

Last Friday, the government officially declared the hippos an invasive species and announced it had a plan to "manage" their population, which studies have suggested could quadruple in 10 years.

Although the details of the plan have not been revealed, former environment minister Manuel Rodriguez has urged the government to use any means, including opening a hunt on the animals.

"Obviously there are animal activists opposed to this, but what is the alternative?" he said.

To date, Cornare has managed to surgically sterilize 11 hippos and dart another 40 with contraceptives.

The effort has cost more than $100,000, but has failed to stop hippo numbers from swelling.

"Everything with hippos is complex, expensive and dangerous," Echeverri told AFP.

Potential 'tragedy'

For Rodriguez, the animals pose a major threat to fishermen and other river-side inhabitants.

Last year, Cornare recorded two hippo attacks on people, neither fatal.

In Africa, hippos kill hundreds of people every year.

"We could face a tragedy," Rodriguez warned.

Also threatened by the hippos are the manatee -- large marine mammals that make the Magdalena River their home -- and a variety of native fish.

Earlier this year, activists with the backing of green parliamentary candidate Luis Domingo Gomez, proposed creating a sanctuary for the hippos with a mix of public and private funds.

But experts reject the proposal as costly and no less harmful to the local ecosystem.

"Are we going to maintain a sanctuary for hippos that attack the manatee?" asked Rodriguez.

Biologist Nataly Castelblanco, an expert on manatees, said local animals should take precedence.

"Native species have conservation priority over invasive species," she wrote on Twitter.

More than 100 African hippos descended from fewer than a handful imported as exotic pets by drug lord Pablo Escobar, face an uncertain future in Colombia. After the government added Escobar's so-called "cocaine" hippos Friday to a list of "introduced, invasive species," experts say killing them may be the only viable option.

More than 100 African hippos descended from fewer than a handful imported as exotic pets by drug lord Pablo Escobar, face an uncertain future in Colombia. After the government added Escobar's so-called "cocaine" hippos Friday to a list of "introduced, invasive species," experts say killing them may be the only viable option. From the few individuals once housed at Escobar's Hacienda Napoles estate, the hippos' numbers have ballooned, with 130 now roaming free north of Bogota around the Magdalena River. Officials say the grazing giants, endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, threaten local wildlife and humans living along the river, whom they have already come into conflict with. Attempts have been made to sterilize the animals, which can weigh as much as 1.8 tons, but doing so is expensive and difficult. "Sacrifice (culling) remains on the table," said David Echeverri, head of the Cornare state environmental agency in charge of the sterilization effort. "It is a necessary option... it could be the only way to stop the problem from getting worse," he told AFP. Escobar, once head of the deadly Medellin Cartel, became one of the richest men on the planet, according to Forbes, thanks to the drug trafficking empire he built. With his wealth he built a menagerie, acquiring hippos, flamingos, giraffes, zebras and kangaroos for his ranch. After he was shot dead by police in 1993, all but the hippopotamuses were sold to zoos. The semi-aquatic ungulates were left to roam Escobar's estate and continued breeding. They are now believed to be the largest so-called "bloat" of hippopotamuses outside of Africa. 'Complex, expensive and dangerous' The creatures have long been a headache for authorities faced with a vocal anti-culling campaign. Last Friday, the government officially declared the hippos an invasive species and announced it had a plan to "manage" their population, which studies have suggested could quadruple in 10 years. Although the details of the plan have not been revealed, former environment minister Manuel Rodriguez has urged the government to use any means, including opening a hunt on the animals. "Obviously there are animal activists opposed to this, but what is the alternative?" he said. To date, Cornare has managed to surgically sterilize 11 hippos and dart another 40 with contraceptives. The effort has cost more than $100,000, but has failed to stop hippo numbers from swelling. "Everything with hippos is complex, expensive and dangerous," Echeverri told AFP. Potential 'tragedy' For Rodriguez, the animals pose a major threat to fishermen and other river-side inhabitants. Last year, Cornare recorded two hippo attacks on people, neither fatal. In Africa, hippos kill hundreds of people every year. "We could face a tragedy," Rodriguez warned. Also threatened by the hippos are the manatee -- large marine mammals that make the Magdalena River their home -- and a variety of native fish. Earlier this year, activists with the backing of green parliamentary candidate Luis Domingo Gomez, proposed creating a sanctuary for the hippos with a mix of public and private funds. But experts reject the proposal as costly and no less harmful to the local ecosystem. "Are we going to maintain a sanctuary for hippos that attack the manatee?" asked Rodriguez. Biologist Nataly Castelblanco, an expert on manatees, said local animals should take precedence. "Native species have conservation priority over invasive species," she wrote on Twitter.

End of the road in Colombia for Escobar's 'cocaine' hippos?

An upside-down house built in Colombia's Guatavita, a short distance from capital Bogota, is capturing the imagination of visitors looking for fun following coronavirus restrictions.

Colombia: visitors to Colombian house find world turned upside down after pandemic

Colombian Victor Escobar sent a heartfelt message before his death by euthanasia on Friday (January 7). He became the first Colombian to be euthanised despite not being in a terminal condition.&nbsp;

Hours before his death, Escobar said that it "opens doors to other patients" who "wish for a dignified death." Escobar had a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that prevented him from breathing on his own.

Escobar, aged 60, said, "We'll meet again in time, wherever God will have us."&nbsp;

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"We've managed to achieve this objective so that patients like myself, who are not terminal but are in a degenerative condition, manage to win this battle," Escobar said.&nbsp;

"It's a battle which opens the doors for other patients behind me who wish to have a dignified death right now," he added.&nbsp;

His lawyer Luis Giraldo, who confirmed the procedure had been completed, told Reuters that his lung-related disease caused a number of other conditions as well.&nbsp;

His lawyer Giraldo said that his "decision to die with dignity" was carried out. He further informed, "We would like to be happy. We would like to celebrate that Victor's decision was carried out but it's not like that. Victor suffered a lot but in the end he won the battle."&nbsp;

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Important to note that Escobar is the first person to undergo euthanasia in Colombia without having a terminal illness, although he is not the first case of euthanasia in the country.

According to Colombian legal rights advocacy group DescLAB, at least 178 people had undergone the procedure since 2015.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Colombian Victor Escobar sent a heartfelt message before his death by euthanasia on Friday (January 7). He became the first Colombian to be euthanised despite not being in a terminal condition.

Colombian Victor Escobar sent a heartfelt message before his death by euthanasia on Friday (January 7). He became the first Colombian to be euthanised despite not being in a terminal condition. Hours before his death, Escobar said that it "opens doors to other patients" who "wish for a dignified death." Escobar had a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that prevented him from breathing on his own. Escobar, aged 60, said, "We'll meet again in time, wherever God will have us." ALSO READ | China's parenting law: Court directs divorced mother to live with child "We've managed to achieve this objective so that patients like myself, who are not terminal but are in a degenerative condition, manage to win this battle," Escobar said. "It's a battle which opens the doors for other patients behind me who wish to have a dignified death right now," he added. His lawyer Luis Giraldo, who confirmed the procedure had been completed, told Reuters that his lung-related disease caused a number of other conditions as well. His lawyer Giraldo said that his "decision to die with dignity" was carried out. He further informed, "We would like to be happy. We would like to celebrate that Victor's decision was carried out but it's not like that. Victor suffered a lot but in the end he won the battle." ALSO READ | Three men sentenced to life in prison for murder of Ahmaud Arbery Important to note that Escobar is the first person to undergo euthanasia in Colombia without having a terminal illness, although he is not the first case of euthanasia in the country. According to Colombian legal rights advocacy group DescLAB, at least 178 people had undergone the procedure since 2015. (With inputs from agencies)

'We will meet again': 60-year-old becomes first in Colombia to undergo euthanasia for non-terminal illness

In Columbia at least 23 people were killed in clashes between armed groups, the National Liberation Army and the Revolutionary Armed of Columbia.

At least 23 dead in clashes in Arauca, Colombia

There is a hidden natural gem in Colombia. It has emerged from a prison that instilled terror in the country. It is called the Gorgona island. Take a look at our next report.

Colombia's magical island transformed to an eco-tourism spot

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