Colombian President Gustavo Petro has accused the United States of violating international law after Washington revoked his visa over his pro-Palestinian stance and sharp criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza.
The US State Department confirmed on Friday that Petro’s visa had been cancelled, citing his “reckless and incendiary actions.” The decision followed Petro’s participation in a pro-Palestinian rally in New York, where he urged American soldiers to disobey President Donald Trump’s orders and “obey the orders of humanity.”
“I no longer have a visa to travel to the United States. I don’t care. I don’t need a visa … because I’m not only a Colombian citizen but a European citizen, and I truly consider myself a free person in the world,” Petro said on social media. He added, “Revoking it for denouncing genocide shows the U.S. no longer respects international law.”
Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the decision, warning that weaponising visas undermines the United Nations’ principles of neutrality and freedom of expression. It suggested relocating UN headquarters to a “completely neutral host country” where entry would be authorised by the organisation itself.
Israel has rejected genocide accusations and insists its military operations in Gaza are acts of self-defence. Gaza’s authorities say the war has killed 65,000 people and displaced the entire population of the enclave, sparking global condemnation.
Relations between Bogota and Washington have deteriorated since Trump’s return to power. Earlier this year, Petro blocked US deportation flights, prompting tariff threats before a compromise was reached. In July, both nations recalled their ambassadors after Petro accused US officials of plotting a coup, claims Washington dismissed as baseless.
Petro has also severed ties with Israel, cutting coal exports and closing Colombia’s embassy in Tel Aviv in 2024. He is not the first Colombian leader to face such measures; in 1996, President Ernesto Samper’s visa was cancelled following allegations of cartel financing in his campaign.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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