✓ verbatim from the press
The 120th Municipal Criminal Court of Bogotá prohibited far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella from using the Colombian national soccer team jersey in his presidential campaign. The provisional measure also applies to the Defensores de la Patria movement and remains in effect while a citizen's lawsuit challenging the use of the uniform in electoral activities is being processed. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"El Juzgado 120 Penal Municipal de Bogotá ordenó una medida provisional a Abelardo De La Espriella y al movimiento Defensores de la Patria para que se "abstengan" de utilizar la camiseta de la Selección Colombia en su candidatura presidencial."
Judge Aura Luz Forero's decision mandates the "immediate and definitive cessation" of using the jersey as an identifying symbol for the party, campaign, or De la Espriella's personal image in public spaces or any media. The candidate, known as "El Tigre," frequently appears wearing the national team uniform at public events, and many of his supporters wear jerseys with tiger heads printed on them. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Determina-se a "cessação imediata e definitiva" do uso da camisa "como símbolo identificador de seu partido político, de sua campanha ou de sua imagem pessoal em espaços públicos ou em qualquer meio"
The controversy arose after left-wing senator Iván Cepeda, De la Espriella's opponent in the second round scheduled for June 21, accused the candidate of "stealing" and appropriating the national team jersey for electoral purposes. Cepeda argued that "the Colombian national team belongs to all Colombians." ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Iván Cepeda, candidato de esquerda e herdeiro político do presidente colombiano, Gustavo Petro, acusou na segunda-feira (1) o ultradireitista de "roubar" e se apropriar da camisa."
De la Espriella's legal team announced it will contest the decision and has already initiated procedures to try to overturn the prohibition. In a statement, the campaign defended that "no one can prohibit Colombians from feeling proud of Colombia or freely wearing their national team jersey." The Colombian Football Federation stated it maintains neutrality in the electoral process and does not support candidates. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"A equipe jurídica da campanha de Abelardo De La Espriella já solicitou sua revogação e continuará atuando nos canais institucionais apropriados"
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
-
What is the specific legal basis for the judicial decision?
Why it's still unknown: Sources cite the decision but do not detail the legal foundations or precedents applied by the judge.
-
Are there precedents in Colombian jurisprudence regarding the use of national symbols in electoral campaigns?
Why it's still unknown: No source mentions similar previous cases or consolidated doctrine on the subject.
-
What is the procedural timeline and available appeals?
Why it's still unknown: Sources mention the defense will appeal but do not specify deadlines or higher courts.