Colombian President Gustavo Petro has sparked global controversy after making strong remarks during a UN address, linking current global crises to historical atrocities and drawing comparisons with the Nazi era. He also stated that around 20,000 children have been killed in Gaza, intensifying debate over the humanitarian situation in the region. His comments have triggered sharp reactions internationally, with supporters calling it a moral warning and critics accusing him of going too far on the world stage.


Colombian President Petro Sparks Controversy at UN Over Gaza Remarks And Nazi Comparison

The office of the Colombian president has been accused of stealing applause from US President Joe Biden’s address to the UN General Assembly.

According to media reports, the Colombian government released a video of President Gustavo Petro’s speech at the UN, but it incorporated applause for Biden, who spoke at the UN moments before Petro.

It was manipulated to show the loud applause was directed at the Colombian leader, in a bid to boost claims that Petro’s views were vehemently supported by the international community.

The manipulation was first observed by the Colombian website La Silla Vacía.

<h2>Divergence between Colombian govt's video and UN broadcast</h2>

It must be noted that Petro also received applause during his speech but it becomes a peculiar tale when we compare the final video snippet shared on the government's YouTube channel to the UN broadcast.&nbsp;

The divergence between the two videos, one from the UN and the other released by the Colombian government, creates the illusion of a more resounding ovation applauding Petro's concluding words.

Watch:&nbsp;Only 1 of the 5 key world leaders attend the UNGA event

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This recording sparked scepticism, drawing the scrutiny of both the online community and the press. This scepticism was fueled by the visible gaps in seating within the General Assembly during Petro's address.

Interestingly, the very same applause that seemingly celebrates Petro in the Colombian government's video resounds precisely at 1:52:39 in the official UN broadcast, but the UN video carries it at the end of US President Biden's address.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombian-president-petro-proposes-latin-american-alliance-to-combat-drug-trafficking-634384">Also read:&nbsp;Colombian President Petro proposes Latin American alliance to combat drug trafficking</a>

The UN video of Biden's speech also shows that three men in the seventh row stand up at the same time and that a woman walks towards the podium between the seats. And shockingly, the same scene also appeared in the video released by Colombia’s presidential office.

In a larger context, this year's annual convening of the UN General Assembly saw a gathering of global leaders from no less than 145 nations. Distinguished figures, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, US President Biden, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the meeting.

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The office of the Colombian president has been accused of stealing applause from US President Joe Biden’s address to the UN General Assembly. According to media reports, the Colombian government released a video of President Gustavo Petro’s speech at the UN, but it incorporated applause for Biden, who spoke at the UN moments before Petro.

The office of the Colombian president has been accused of stealing applause from US President Joe Biden’s address to the UN General Assembly. According to media reports, the Colombian government released a video of President Gustavo Petro’s speech at the UN, but it incorporated applause for Biden, who spoke at the UN moments before Petro. It was manipulated to show the loud applause was directed at the Colombian leader, in a bid to boost claims that Petro’s views were vehemently supported by the international community. The manipulation was first observed by the Colombian website La Silla Vacía. Divergence between Colombian govt's video and UN broadcast It must be noted that Petro also received applause during his speech but it becomes a peculiar tale when we compare the final video snippet shared on the government's YouTube channel to the UN broadcast. The divergence between the two videos, one from the UN and the other released by the Colombian government, creates the illusion of a more resounding ovation applauding Petro's concluding words. Watch: Only 1 of the 5 key world leaders attend the UNGA event × This recording sparked scepticism, drawing the scrutiny of both the online community and the press. This scepticism was fueled by the visible gaps in seating within the General Assembly during Petro's address. Interestingly, the very same applause that seemingly celebrates Petro in the Colombian government's video resounds precisely at 1:52:39 in the official UN broadcast, but the UN video carries it at the end of US President Biden's address. Also read: Colombian President Petro proposes Latin American alliance to combat drug trafficking The UN video of Biden's speech also shows that three men in the seventh row stand up at the same time and that a woman walks towards the podium between the seats. And shockingly, the same scene also appeared in the video released by Colombia’s presidential office. In a larger context, this year's annual convening of the UN General Assembly saw a gathering of global leaders from no less than 145 nations. Distinguished figures, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, US President Biden, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the meeting. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Colombian president accused of stealing Joe Biden’s applause at the UN

Only a day is left for the all-important presidential elections to kick off in Colombia which has been marked by death threats against candidates, scandals and accusations of fraud.

On June 19, hundreds and thousands of eligible people will come out to elect their next president. The elections are being viewed as a tight race between left-wing candidate Gustavo Petro and 77-year-old populist real estate magnate-turned-politician Rodolfo Hernandez, who has promised drastic budget cuts and jail for corrupt officials.

The latest polls show Hernández neck and neck with Petro, a former guerrilla fighter and veteran politician who had been the clear front-runner all year long.

The first round of voting took place in May this year where Petro won just over 40 per cent of the vote, while Hernandez secured 28 per cent, edging out Petro's expected competitor, the right-wing former Mayor of Medellin, Federico "Fico" Gutierrez. While the&nbsp;Incumbent President&nbsp;Iván Duque&nbsp;is ineligible for a second term.

Since none of the candidates won by an absolute majority, Petro and Hernandez will now face off in the second round of voting.

Here are all the details about the Colombian elections and the candidates.

Who is Gustavo Petro?

The 62-year-old leader is a former mayor of Bogota, whose 2022 bid marks his third presidential campaign, reports CNN.

His political campaign focused on radical overhaul of the country's economy to combat one of the highest inequality rates in the world.

Petro, a former guerrilla fighter, has framed his campaign around whether Colombia is ready to elect a revolutionary. He's campaigned on attracting foreign investment in clean energy, new technologies, transportation and telecommunications.

Rodolfo Hernández—the TikTok star

Hernández is real estate mogul and a former mayor. A self-proclaimed "King of TikTok”, the 77-year-old communicates via the social media app rather than conducting rallies and giving speeches.

He did not appear in several of the televised debates organised by Colombia's main broadcasters, and rarely gave interviews to foreign outlets.

In a recent&nbsp;interview&nbsp;on Colombian TV, he said that nearly all politicians were "traitors, liars, clowns and hypocrites and we are going to kick them out."

Pressing issues in this election

Colombia has been among the fastest growing countries in Latin America in recent years, but the people, especially poor and working families, have not befitted from this prosperity.

Petro is banking on frustrated voters who feel disillusioned by the country's economic outlook and who have suffered the most in the last four years, as wages stagnated under former president Duque's watch.

As a whole, the country is richer than it was since Duque came to power in 2018, however the value of the average worker's annual salary has dropped significantly as the Colombian peso has plunged 40 per cent in value against the dollar since, reports CNN.

That situation has only exacerbated by rising inflation and the war in Ukraine.

Hernandez, on the other hand, is also trying to exploit some voters' discontent with the traditional political system, his approach on the economy -- with a focus on corruption -- is more moderate than Petro's.

The election is also being held as the country's security situation is deteriorating.

The violence is tied to the country's narcotics production and trafficking, with Colombia's cocaine production having significantly increased in recent years.

How to restore state control over those areas —and fight back the cartels —is a key conversation in this election, and will prove a formidable challenge for the next president.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Only a day is left for the all-important presidential elections to kick off in Colombia which has been marked by death threats against candidates, scandals and accusations of fraud.

Only a day is left for the all-important presidential elections to kick off in Colombia which has been marked by death threats against candidates, scandals and accusations of fraud. On June 19, hundreds and thousands of eligible people will come out to elect their next president. The elections are being viewed as a tight race between left-wing candidate Gustavo Petro and 77-year-old populist real estate magnate-turned-politician Rodolfo Hernandez, who has promised drastic budget cuts and jail for corrupt officials. The latest polls show Hernández neck and neck with Petro, a former guerrilla fighter and veteran politician who had been the clear front-runner all year long. The first round of voting took place in May this year where Petro won just over 40 per cent of the vote, while Hernandez secured 28 per cent, edging out Petro's expected competitor, the right-wing former Mayor of Medellin, Federico "Fico" Gutierrez. While the Incumbent President Iván Duque is ineligible for a second term. Since none of the candidates won by an absolute majority, Petro and Hernandez will now face off in the second round of voting. Here are all the details about the Colombian elections and the candidates. Who is Gustavo Petro? The 62-year-old leader is a former mayor of Bogota, whose 2022 bid marks his third presidential campaign, reports CNN. His political campaign focused on radical overhaul of the country's economy to combat one of the highest inequality rates in the world. Petro, a former guerrilla fighter, has framed his campaign around whether Colombia is ready to elect a revolutionary. He's campaigned on attracting foreign investment in clean energy, new technologies, transportation and telecommunications. Rodolfo Hernández—the TikTok star Hernández is real estate mogul and a former mayor. A self-proclaimed "King of TikTok”, the 77-year-old communicates via the social media app rather than conducting rallies and giving speeches. He did not appear in several of the televised debates organised by Colombia's main broadcasters, and rarely gave interviews to foreign outlets. In a recent interview on Colombian TV, he said that nearly all politicians were "traitors, liars, clowns and hypocrites and we are going to kick them out." Pressing issues in this election Colombia has been among the fastest growing countries in Latin America in recent years, but the people, especially poor and working families, have not befitted from this prosperity. Petro is banking on frustrated voters who feel disillusioned by the country's economic outlook and who have suffered the most in the last four years, as wages stagnated under former president Duque's watch. As a whole, the country is richer than it was since Duque came to power in 2018, however the value of the average worker's annual salary has dropped significantly as the Colombian peso has plunged 40 per cent in value against the dollar since, reports CNN. That situation has only exacerbated by rising inflation and the war in Ukraine. Hernandez, on the other hand, is also trying to exploit some voters' discontent with the traditional political system, his approach on the economy -- with a focus on corruption -- is more moderate than Petro's. The election is also being held as the country's security situation is deteriorating. The violence is tied to the country's narcotics production and trafficking, with Colombia's cocaine production having significantly increased in recent years. How to restore state control over those areas —and fight back the cartels —is a key conversation in this election, and will prove a formidable challenge for the next president. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Gustavo Petro vs Rodolfo Hernandez: Here’s all you need to know about Colombian presidential elections

A judge on Saturday lifted a house arrest order against former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe. He was under investigation for alleged witness tampering and fraud, and had been held under the order since August.

The conservative Uribe is considered the most influential politician in Colombia of this century, and is currently its most popular one and the political mentor of the current president, Ivan Duque.

The former president, who had been serving as senator until resigning from the post in August, responded with a terse tweet: "Thank God."

Uribe was the first former Colombian president ever placed under arrest. A day before being placed in detention, he tested positive for the coronavirus.

US President Donald Trump hailed the decision in a message on Twitter, calling the polarising Uribe "a hero."

"Congratulations to former President @AlvaroUribeVel," Trump said, tagging Uribe's Twitter handle.

Uribe and several allies are being investigated over allegations of witness tampering carried out in an attempt to discredit accusations he had ties to right-wing paramilitaries.

Uribe, a mentor to current President Ivan Duque, has insisted he is innocent.

In 2012, Uribe accused leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda of orchestrating a plot to tie him to right-wing paramilitary groups.

But in 2018, the Supreme Court said Cepeda had collected information from former fighters as part of his work and had not paid or pressured former paramilitaries. Instead the court said it was Uribe and his allies who pressured witnesses.

Uribe served from 2002 to 2010 and was known for his tough approach to fighting leftist FARC guerrillas and later for opposing an historic 2016 peace accord with them that ended a half century of war.

The Supreme Court had placed him under house arrest in August in a case involving a leftist senator, Ivan Cepeda, who Uribe said hatched a plot to falsely link him to right wing paramilitary groups -- one of the players that fought in Colombia's long, complex war. Uribe was accused of manipulating a witness against Cepeda.

On Saturday a lower court judge accepted a defence motion for Uribe to be released from house arrest while the probe continues.

(with inputs from agencies)

A judge on Saturday lifted a house arrest order against former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe. He was under investigation for alleged witness tampering and fraud, and had been held under the order since August.

A judge on Saturday lifted a house arrest order against former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe. He was under investigation for alleged witness tampering and fraud, and had been held under the order since August. The conservative Uribe is considered the most influential politician in Colombia of this century, and is currently its most popular one and the political mentor of the current president, Ivan Duque. The former president, who had been serving as senator until resigning from the post in August, responded with a terse tweet: "Thank God." Uribe was the first former Colombian president ever placed under arrest. A day before being placed in detention, he tested positive for the coronavirus. US President Donald Trump hailed the decision in a message on Twitter, calling the polarising Uribe "a hero." "Congratulations to former President @AlvaroUribeVel," Trump said, tagging Uribe's Twitter handle. Uribe and several allies are being investigated over allegations of witness tampering carried out in an attempt to discredit accusations he had ties to right-wing paramilitaries. Uribe, a mentor to current President Ivan Duque, has insisted he is innocent. In 2012, Uribe accused leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda of orchestrating a plot to tie him to right-wing paramilitary groups. But in 2018, the Supreme Court said Cepeda had collected information from former fighters as part of his work and had not paid or pressured former paramilitaries. Instead the court said it was Uribe and his allies who pressured witnesses. Uribe served from 2002 to 2010 and was known for his tough approach to fighting leftist FARC guerrillas and later for opposing an historic 2016 peace accord with them that ended a half century of war. The Supreme Court had placed him under house arrest in August in a case involving a leftist senator, Ivan Cepeda, who Uribe said hatched a plot to falsely link him to right wing paramilitary groups -- one of the players that fought in Colombia's long, complex war. Uribe was accused of manipulating a witness against Cepeda. On Saturday a lower court judge accepted a defence motion for Uribe to be released from house arrest while the probe continues. (with inputs from agencies)

Colombian ex-president Uribe released from house arrest

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos speaks to WION. Watch video to know more.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos speaks to WION

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Colombian ex-president Uribe released from house arrest

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos speaks to WION