In the department of Huila, the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Rodrigo Lara Bonilla, murdered by hitmen in the city of Bogotá, was held.
A floral offering, decorations and academic events were some of the events held in the city of Neiva.
The tribute took place in the departmental assembly of Huila, where various judicial figures, senior officials of the public force and politicians, They gathered to honor and highlight the importance of their work in the fight against drug trafficking in the country.
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In this way, after a mass held in the colonial church, A floral offering was made in the flag plaza of the Government of Huila, where the effigy of Rodrigo Lara Bonilla is located.led by the governor, the children of the former minister of justice and senior members of the public force.
In the middle of the floral offering, Rodrigo Lara Sánchez indicated that “it is a special date that should not be forgotten, the commemoration of the forty years of the assassination of a great human being who offered his life for his countryfor the principles, the values that were never denounced, he faced himself alone, exposing his own life to drug trafficking.”
Likewise, regarding the issue of drug trafficking which covers the entire country, Sánchez pointed out the need to continue fighting it vigorously in each of the territories, and change the focus of the policy of the fight against drugs which have not left much for the country.
“Colombia has put many victims in relation to drug trafficking issues. Today, through illegality, these dissident groups control the territory, and unfortunately sometimes the state and justice fall on the weakest. “We must have character when confronting all these mafias, we must attack the economic issue of drug trafficking,” Sanchez added.
Rodrigo Lara Bonilla was a Colombian politician, diplomat and lawyer, a member of the Liberal Party and later of the liberal dissident movements Liberal Revolutionary Movement and co-founder of New Liberalism. He held several public positions such as mayor of Neiva, congressman and diplomat.
“May my father continue to be a reference, an example to follow for so many judges, officials, police and military in the country. My father knew that they were most likely going to assassinate him, and yet he never gave in. in the face of intimidation or pressure from crime,” said Rodrigo Lara Restrepo, son of the former minister.
Rodrigo Lara Bonilla was murdered by hitmen under the orders of Pablo Escobar, on April 30, 1984, when he was on his way to his home in Bogotá. His death represented the beginning of an all-out war between the Colombian State and drug trafficking groups. He is considered a reference in the fight against drug trafficking in Colombia.
Award
After the heartfelt words in honor of the memory of Rodrigo Lara Bonilla, the decoration was carried out in the Departmental Assembly of Huila in which The ‘Rodrigo Lara Bonilla Order’ was awarded to two people from Huila for their work carried out in the country, carrying the name of the department in their hearts.
The first to be decorated was Rear Admiral Beatriz Elena García Restrepowho has worked in the neutralization of drug trafficking finances and the consolidation of territorial control, is currently in charge of the legal leadership of the National Navy.
“This recognition represents a great pride for me.but gratitude for the enormous legacy that Dr. Rodrigo Lara Bonilla has left us, to continue precisely working for the construction of a country in righteousness and in compliance with the regulations,” indicated the rear admiral.
The manizaleña Beatriz Elena, youngest daughter of Hernán García Vanegas from Huil, who was director of the Tax Office in Neiva, and Mery Restrepo de García from Quindía, a family judge; both lawyers and graduates of the University of Caldas.
He lived in Neiva since he was four years old, attending primary and secondary school in the capital Opita until 1979, when he graduated from Claretian College; It was not until 1997 that he returned to Huila once he had finished his studies. university students at the La Gran Colombia University of Armenia. She was married to Captain Mauricio Estrada Durán, who died in service in 2007.
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The rear admiral, the first woman in the national navy to reach this high position, sent a heartfelt message of strength to the hundreds of Huila men and women indicating that “I feel very proud to be able to represent them, work every day with responsibility for each of their dreams, since the fruits are reflected as they exercise their profession with love and responsibility, The important thing is to be constant and disciplined.”
The second person decorated was the judge of execution of sentences Jairo Fernando Fierro Cabrera, who has been a municipal civil judge in Neiva and Girardot and a criminal judge of the Circuit. He praised him for his coherence and wisdom in interpreting the rules, thus contributing to the construction of a more just and equitable society.
“It is an honor as a Huilense“, is the recognition or exaltation of the memory of Dr. Rodrigo Lara Bonilla, who fought against corruption and for a correct and prompt administration of justice,” the judge pointed out.
On September 28, 2017, the Supreme Court of Justice appointed him as a judge of the Superior Court of Bogotá, replacing Luis Fernando Ramírez; in which He was nominated by the Superior Court in recognition of his judicial career and services provided to the judiciary.
“My message to the people of Huila is that we must continue working for peace, even in these turbulent times that Dr. Rodrigo Lara Bonilla experienced and that we continue to experience today,” said Jairo Fernando Fierro.
Finally, The day of commemoration culminated with a panel-type academic space, in which the challenge of justice in Colombia was discussed. as well as transitional justice and restorative justice, the voices of those who have worked their entire lives in relation to these issues were heard.
