Abelardo de la Espriella gave new impetus to his plan to build ten maximum-security mega-prisons: these are the businessmen who could participate

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella held a meeting with government ministers and construction executives on Monday, September 14, 2026, in Barranquilla to advance a plan for building ten maximum-security mega-prisons. As part of this security push, the administration also released a video detailing the transfer of inmates from prisons in Quindío to maximum-security facilities across various regions, with the president stating that the rule of law is exercised through authority.

The administration's security announcements and prison initiatives have drawn sharp criticism from the political opposition. Senator Iván Cepeda of the Historic Pact issued warnings regarding potential human rights violations stemming from the government's security measures, characterizing the rhetoric surrounding the plans as promoting a local genocide.