Colombia’s Petro Defies US Visa Revocation Amid Gaza Stance

The United States has revoked the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, prompting a defiant response from the leader who accused Washington of violating international law. Petro declared on social media Saturday that he “doesn’t care” about the revocation, asserting his freedom as a Colombian and European citizen. He further stated that the move, which he believes stems from his denunciation of alleged genocide in Gaza, demonstrates a disregard for international law by the US.

The US State Department confirmed the revocation, citing Petro’s “reckless and incendiary actions.” This follows Petro’s address to pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside UN headquarters in New York on Thursday during the UN General Assembly, where he advocated for a global armed force to liberate Palestinians and urged US soldiers to “disobey the orders of Trump.”

Colombia’s foreign affairs ministry has condemned the use of visa revocation as a diplomatic weapon, arguing it undermines freedom of expression and the independence of UN member states. The incident further strains already tense relations between Bogotá and Washington, which have seen disputes over deportation flights, the recalling of ambassadors, and Petro’s earlier decision in 2024 to cut diplomatic ties with Israel and ban coal exports.

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