We reproduce the article published by the Belgian magazine “Latitudes”. You can read the original here.
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Ricardo Florez – 18 de diciembre de 2024
In 2021, Colombia experienced one of the most important social movements in its recent history: the social uprising. What began as a protest against tax reform has turned into discontent with inequality, state repression, and structural injustices. In this context, the figure of Sergio Pastor, alias “19”, leader of the “First Line”, a group of young people in the front row during the demonstrations, has emerged.
Today, after more than three years of imprisonment, “19” remains a symbol of resistance, sacrifice and hope for those fighting for social change.
What is the social uprising?
On April 28, 2021, the Colombian people took to the streets to reject a tax reform proposed by the government of Iván Duque, president between 2018 and 2022. This reform aimed to increase taxes in a context of economic crisis aggravated by the pandemic. Quickly, the discontent spread to deeper issues: inequality, unemployment, poverty and police brutality.
“We are not vandals, we are protecting our dignity and those who are peacefully protesting.”
The state responded with violent repression. According to human rights organizations, dozens of young people have been killed, hundreds injured and thousands arbitrarily arrested. In the midst of this crisis, the “Front Line” emerged as a group of youths armed with improvised shields and carried by a strong community spirit, clashing with the police to protect the protesters.
It is in this context that “19” emerged as a leader. “We are not vandals, we protect our dignity and those who demonstrate peacefully,” he said several times.
Ready to face death
On July 28, 2021, after weeks of persecution, “19” was arrested during a police operation. According to him, he had known for a month that an arrest warrant had been issued against him. A friend working at the prosecutor’s office had warned him of this warrant dated June 14. However, “19” has decided to stand firm:
“I warned my comrades that if we were really committed to changing the system, we had to be prepared to face death, exile, disappearance or imprisonment.”
He was finally arrested in circumstances that he describes as irregular: “They didn’t arrest me with a physical warrant, but with a document sent by WhatsApp.”
“A police captain told me, ‘Tell us who the others are, and we’ll save you.’ I replied: ‘Like any good captain, I save my crew and sink alone’. »
Once in detention, “19” was subjected to hostile treatment by the authorities, he said. He says that he was interrogated intensely and offered to negotiate his freedom in exchange for information about the “Front Line”:
“A police captain told me, ‘Tell us who the others are, and we’ll save you.’ I replied: ‘Like any good captain, I save my crew and sink alone’.”
Currently, he faces charges of torture and criminal association, which he categorically rejects: “There has never been evidence, and there never will be. We are accused of imaginary crimes, because they fear the change we represent.”
Sa santé : une nouvelle lutte
In 2022, the trajectory of “19” took an even more painful turn. He fractured two cervical vertebrae, which required surgery. However, according to him, the operation was carried out negligently, and he was transferred to prison before he could complete his recovery.
While in prison, he contracted a spinal cord infection that required two more operations, but the damage was already irreversible. Today, “19” is paralyzed from the legs down. Despite this, his spirit remains steadfast:
“I know that the power of my mind is so great that at any moment, I will get back up. These legs that don’t work today will work better than before.”
Un message au président Petro
With the arrival of Gustavo Petro as president in 2022, many young people in “Première Ligne” thought that justice would be done. Petro, the first leftist president in Colombia’s history, publicly declared in a point of resistance in Cali: “I too am on the front line.”
“We are rotting in prisons, while the dreams and hopes of the young people who fought for change are extinguished.”
Depuis sa cellule, «19» interroge cette déclaration et envoie un message direct au président :
«Si le président se considère comme faisant partie de la Première Ligne, pourquoi sommes-nous encore emprisonnés, nous qui étions dans les rues ? Pourquoi nous condamne-t-on à tort ? Le président Petro est au pouvoir grâce au sacrifice de nombreux jeunes, et il le sait.»
«19» reconnaît que le gouvernement subit des pressions, mais insiste, aussi, sur le fait que les prisonniers politiques ne doivent pas être traités comme de simples numéros :
“We are rotting in prisons, while the dreams and hopes of the young people who fought for change are extinguished.”
A message to the world
From his cell, “19” addresses not only Colombia, but also the European continent and the rest of the world:
«Don’t lose hope. We are brothers, although we come from different nations.”
“To the peoples of Europe, Brussels, France, Germany, Ukraine, Russia, and all the working and oppressed countries: never stop resisting. Never sell your dreams or ideals. Your freedom is in your hands. You decide if you want a life of slavery or if you want to be really free.”
He concludes with an appeal to fraternity and hope: “Do not lose hope. We are brothers, although we come from different nations. Fight with your heart, because change is possible.”
The legacy of the resistance
More than three years have passed since his arrest, but the voice of “19” remains a symbol of the fight for justice in Colombia. His story reflects not only his personal sacrifice, but also the strength of a movement that demands more justice and dignity.
From prison, “19” continues not only to resist, but also to inspire other resistance fighters not to give up the fight for profound change. His message of hope and conviction is a reminder of the power of collective resistance, even in the face of the most crushing adversities.
