Petro accuses US-owned social media platforms of censoring his image
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has accused US-owned social media platforms of restricting the reach of content featuring his image or voice, claiming their algorithms are being used to silence him.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting in Bogota on Tuesday, Petro alleged that platforms owned by Americans linked to US President Donald Trump had changed their algorithms to limit the spread of videos in which he appears.
“If a photo of me or my voice appears in any of the videos, the platform has an algorithm to restrict the dissemination of that information,” Petro said. “That is silencing a president of the Republic elected by popular vote.”
His remarks came amid a political dispute involving Gloria Arizabaleta, chair of the House Accusations Committee, who signed a controversial resolution proposing Petro’s provisional suspension over allegations that he improperly intervened in the presidential campaign.
Constitutional experts challenged the move, arguing that only the Senate has authority to suspend a sitting president. Within 24 hours, Colombia’s Inspector General suspended Arizabaleta for allegedly exceeding her powers.
In May, Colombia’s Council of State ordered Petro not to use official channels to support or oppose political parties, after ruling that some of his statements breached rules governing public officials during election periods.
Petro rejected the allegations, saying he had a duty to report alleged crimes against him or members of his administration. Colombia is due to hold the second round of its presidential election on June 21, after no candidate won an outright majority in the first round on May 31.
Far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella will face left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda, who is backed by Petro’s political movement. Petro is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election and is expected to leave office on August 7.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
