Medellin Mayor and Piloto Public Library reaffirm commitment to freedom of expression and culture after court order

The city government of Medellín and the Public Pilot Library reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of expression and cultural promotion following a court order. On April 21, 2026, the presentation of the book M-19: de la guerra a la política was canceled by Mayor Federico Gutiérrez minutes before its scheduled start at the Public Pilot Library. The event, which had been planned for 5 p.m., sparked controversy over whether the cancellation constituted censorship. Mayor Gutiérrez claimed the event amounted to an endorsement of terrorism and had political undertones, thereby violating the Law of Guarantees. In a statement posted on his X account, he wrote, “In Medellín, there will never be space for the glorification of terrorism. I have just ordered the cancellation of this event at the Public Pilot Library. The M-19 was not a ‘romantic narrative’: it was an armed terrorist group that left victims, pain, and death in Colombia.” He added, “Our city respects the memory of the victims, not the propaganda of those who wielded weapons. This event has an evidently political character, and no public entity can host it, especially under the law of guarantees.” Despite the official cancellation notice issued by the library, video footage later circulated online showed the event proceeding with minimal disruption. Police officers were visible outside the venue, but the presentation took place inside the designated auditorium. The book, authored by Jaime Rafael Nieto López, a sociology professor and doctoral candidate at the University of Antioquia, was presented despite the initial cancellation order. Nieto López, who wrote the text as part of his doctoral thesis more than three decades ago, emphasized the importance of open discourse and academic inquiry. His work explores the transformation of the M-19 guerrilla movement into a political force, offering a nuanced perspective on Colombia’s history. On August 20, 2026, a letter dated August 3 was released jointly by Mayor Gutiérrez and the Public Pilot Library. In it, Gutiérrez acknowledged that his actions constituted an act of censorship. The document stated that both entities uphold constitutional rights, including freedom of speech, access to information, and citizen participation. It reiterated their dedication to fostering democratic values through diverse viewpoints and free exchange of ideas within legal boundaries. The library highlighted its extensive efforts to promote reading, noting over 1,950 literary activities annually and more than 7,000 initiatives related to book dissemination and literacy across Medellín’s public library system. Additionally, it recorded over 300 book presentations during the City Book Fair. The letter also referenced a judicial ruling that influenced the decision to cancel the event. While the specific nature of the court order was not detailed, the document underscored the institution’s adherence to legal frameworks while maintaining its role as a promoter of intellectual and cultural life. The incident has raised questions about the balance between upholding the rule of law and protecting the right to free expression. As the debate continues, both the city administration and the library remain committed to defending constitutional principles and supporting public engagement with knowledge and culture.