Pamphlets that threaten sex workers, drug addicts and thieves with social
cleansing and impose a 10PM curfew on all citizens have appeared in at
least twenty Colombian cities.
The pamphlet was first distributed in Medellín, where since its first appearance a month ago at least four versions of the threat have appeared. After its appearance in Colombia’s second largest city, the pamphlet has been circulated in Bogotá, Cali, Barranquilla, Cúcuta, Sincelejo, Barrancabermeja, Villavicencio, San José del Guaviare, Neiva and La Dorada.
Authorities in the capital of Antioquia initially said the pamphlet was meant to cause instability in the city that is to host the 50th summit of the Inter-American Development Bank at the end of March.
Because of the different versions that have appeared and its circulation on the internet, it is unclear if they are spread by one group or the distribution is helped by concerned citizens or sensation seekers.
According to National Police director Oscar Naranjo, the pamphlet is part of “an orchestrated campaign to create fear,” but that the police provides security guarantees to all those who are threatened.