A few days ago, a friend of mine, a journalist and left-wing activist, was imprisoned and accused of terrorism. His name is Sergio Segura, but everyone he knows calls him Duck. A good-natured madman, with whom I've had all sorts of conversations, and in many cases, heated but respectful arguments. He lived at my house for over a year, and the only thing I ever complained about was his parties, filled with punk and hardcore blasting at full volume, which would end in the most bizarre way with some twisted reggaeton or a ballad sung off-key by his guests. Pato is an intelligent, combative guy, but respectful of differences. His entire circle of acquaintances and colleagues, from very different ideologies and perspectives, can vouch for the fact that he is not part of any army participating in the Colombian conflict.
According to the lawyers handling the case, in which he and other students and professionals were implicated in violent acts against public order, the evidence against them is weak and lacks sufficient grounds for their continued imprisonment. I fear that, as in previous egregious examples, this is a case of judicial misconduct, where someone who thinks differently and questions the system through peaceful political participation is made the scapegoat by those who, through perpetual war, have plunged Colombia into a vast and ever-growing pool of blood.
Some of his friends have organized an event, the Patofest, The benefit concert will be held this Sunday, August 2nd, at the renowned Latino Power concert hall. All proceeds will go to support our friend's family. If you're in Bogotá, please attend. If you live elsewhere, share this message with your loved ones so that the case reaches the world and those responsible for this injustice feel watched by the entire globe.
I hope for Pato's prompt release. I disagree with many of his political beliefs, but I am certain of his innocence.
