ARThe Procuraduría General de la Nación has opened a disciplinary investigation into Marco Alirio Cortés Torres, mayor of Barbosa, Santander, over alleged irregularities in a bullfight held on January 1, 2026. The investigation focuses on possible omissions of required documents for public events, including whether a liability insurance policy was in place to cover potential damages or risks associated with the event. The legal framework cited includes articles 14 and 15 of Law 916 of 2004, which governs national bullfighting regulations. The Procuraduría emphasizes that any failure to obtain necessary permits or documentation is considered serious due to the inherent risks of such activities. The bullfight sparked protests from animal rights advocates and politicians like Cristian Avendaño and Danovis Lozano, who claimed the event used two bulls and ended with their release. The organization PLATAFORMA COLOMBIANA POR LOS ANIMALES ALTO called for criminal charges against the mayor and his removal from office, alleging animal mistreatment and planned slaughter of four other bulls. The mayor defended the event, arguing that livestock work is essential in the region.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the investigation initiated by the Procuraduría, focusing on legal compliance and procedural issues rather than taking a clear ideological stance. While there are mentions of animal rights activists and political figures opposing the event, the reporting is
