BOGOTA, Colombia — In a significant development toward potential peace negotiations, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced Sunday his acceptance of a proposal from the National Liberation Army (ELN) to establish an independent commission investigating the rebel group’s alleged connections to narcotics trafficking. The unprecedented move comes after ELN commander Antonio García publicly challenged the government in a January 20 video statement to verify their claims of non-involvement in drug operations. President Petro responded via social media platform X, stipulating that the verification body must maintain scientific integrity and governmental independence while reporting its findings directly to the United Nations. The Colombian leader simultaneously urged ELN forces to support crop substitution initiatives in the conflict-ridden Catatumbo region, where coca cultivation remains prevalent. This diplomatic breakthrough follows last year’s collapsed peace talks, which deteriorated after ELN offensives displaced over 50,000 civilians and resulted in numerous casualties. The 5,000-strong Marxist rebel group, established in the 1960s, has expanded its territorial control along the Venezuela-Colombia border following the 2017 disarmament of FARC rebels. Petro’s administration has consistently accused ELN leadership of being ‘drug traffickers disguised as guerrilla fighters,’ citing narcotics revenue as a primary obstacle to successful peace negotiations.
标签： South America
南美洲
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Police wear fancy dress in Rio Carnival phone theft sting
In an unconventional security operation during Rio de Janeiro’s famed Carnival celebrations, Brazilian civil police officers employed creative disguises to combat rampant phone theft. Undercover agents blended seamlessly with revelers while wearing masks depicting popular characters including Captain America, Batman, Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th, and the distinctive red overalls from Netflix’s Money Heist series.
The innovative operation led to the apprehension of two seasoned criminals caught in the act of stealing mobile phones. Authorities reported that a drone surveillance unit observed a female suspect snatching a phone from a Carnival participant before transferring it to her male accomplice. Both individuals were subsequently arrested while still surrounded by unsuspecting partygoers.
Investigation revealed the detained suspects collectively possessed 30 prior criminal records. The female suspect had attempted to avoid detection by pretending to be pregnant, according to police statements. The operation resulted in the recovery of five stolen mobile devices in Santa Teresa neighborhood, all scheduled for return to their rightful owners.
This action forms part of Operation Tracking, a state-level initiative targeting mobile phone theft and resale networks. The program has achieved significant success with over 13,000 devices located and approximately 4,400 returned to victims since its implementation.
The tactic of using elaborate costumes for law enforcement operations isn’t unique to Brazil. Peruvian police have regularly employed similar methods during major holidays including Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas celebrations. Previous operations have seen officers dressed as Spider-Man discovering cocaine in trick-or-treat buckets, a teddy bear costume used to apprehend drug dealers, and various Marvel superhero disguises deployed in raids.
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The GB medallist now representing Jamaica in bobsleigh
At 37 years old, British-born athlete Joel Fearon is competing in his third Winter Olympics, but this time with a significant difference—he’s representing Jamaica’s bobsleigh team after coming out of retirement last year. His athletic journey represents one of the most unconventional cross-sport careers in Olympic history.
Fearon’s story took a dramatic turn in 2016 when he stunned the athletics world by running the 100m in 9.96 seconds at the England Athletics Championships in Bedford, making him the fastest man in Britain that year. Remarkably, this breakthrough performance came just after the qualification cutoff for the Rio Olympics, denying him a chance to compete on the summer stage.
“I don’t know if I ever believed that I could do something like that,” Fearon told BBC Local Radio. “It was surreal for a long time because I wasn’t one of the British superstar sprinters. But there I was, running sub-10, number one in the country.”
While pursuing athletic excellence, Fearon balanced his training with various jobs to make ends meet, including working as a pizza delivery driver. “I would run Diamond Leagues in the daytime. In the evening, I’m off delivering my local pizzas, just whatever needed to be done,” he recalled.
Fearon’s bobsleigh career has been equally remarkable, having competed for three different nations—Great Britain, Switzerland, and now Jamaica—over 15 years. His Olympic bronze medal from Sochi 2014 was only awarded five years later due to retrospective doping bans affecting other teams.
The athlete’s career has been marked by significant challenges, including serious injuries that required wires in his lower leg bones and the tragic murder of his sister Natasha Morais in 2023, which led to his temporary retirement from all sports.
“It was tough for all of us. We are all still dealing with it in our own ways,” Fearon said. “I didn’t think I was ever going to be able to do sport again. I really struggled with anxiety.”
His return to competition with Jamaica has brought joy to his grieving family, particularly his Jamaican father who had never shown excitement about sport before. Fearon now embraces his role as both athlete and mentor to younger team members, including Timo Rohner of Switzerland, whom he helped develop during a season-long loan.
The crossover between sprinting and bobsleigh has become increasingly common, with fellow sprinter Mica Moore also switching allegiance from Great Britain to Jamaica. Fearon embraces the association with the iconic film Cool Runnings, noting: “We are the most famous team in the world, so it’s for us to go out and do our flag proud.”
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Brazilians celebrate ‘Carnival in the Italian snow’ as Alpine skier wins Olympic gold
In an extraordinary sporting achievement that transcended traditional boundaries, Brazilian alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen carved his name into Olympic history on Saturday by securing South America’s first-ever Winter Games gold medal. The 25-year-old athlete, affectionately known as “O cara do ski” (the skiing dude) in his adopted nation, accomplished this groundbreaking feat during the opening celebrations of Brazil’s iconic Carnival festival.
The monumental victory occurred in the men’s giant slalom event at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where Pinheiro Braathen demonstrated exceptional skill on the challenging Bormio, Italy course. His triumph immediately overshadowed Carnival coverage on Brazil’s major news platforms, generating nationwide celebration for a country predominantly known for summer sports excellence.
Hundreds of enthusiastic supporters packed Brazil House in Milan, the official Olympic committee gathering space, where they erupted in joyous celebration featuring traditional soccer-style chants honoring the new champion. The festive atmosphere included warm cheese bread distributions by Michelin-starred chef Raphael Rego and spontaneous samba dancing alongside Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist swimmer Bruno Fratus.
Pinheiro Braathen’s victory carries particular significance given his unique background. Until 2023, the athlete competed for Norway before switching allegiance to Brazil, adding his mother’s surname to embrace his Brazilian heritage. He has consistently celebrated his connection to Brazil, decorating his competition helmet with “Vamos Dançar” (Let’s Dance) and crediting soccer legend Ronaldinho as his childhood inspiration rather than any winter sports icon.
The timing of this historic achievement during Carnival celebrations created a unique cultural moment. Brazil’s dominant TV network Globo broadcast the alpine skiing event alongside Carnival coverage, eventually marking the victory with “Tema da Victoria” (Victory Theme), the same soundtrack associated with national Formula 1 hero Ayrton Senna’s triumphs.
This gold medal represents another milestone in Brazil’s growing international recognition beyond its traditional cultural exports. Recent successes including Brazil’s first Academy Award for Best International Feature with “I’m Still Here” and multiple nominations for “The Secret Agent” have helped counter what was historically described as the “mongrel complex” – a perceived national inferiority complex identified by writer Nelson Rodrigues in the 1950s.
Pinheiro Braathen emphasized the inspirational significance of his achievement, stating: “This can be a point of inspiration for the next generation of children, showing them that nothing is impossible. It doesn’t matter where you’re from. What matters is what’s inside. What the heart does.”
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Families of Venezuelan prisoners stage hunger strike demanding quick liberation of dissidents
CARACAS, Venezuela — Tensions surrounding Venezuela’s political prisoner crisis escalated Saturday as relatives of detained dissidents initiated a hunger strike outside Zona 7 prison facility. The protest coincides with ongoing legislative debates regarding a potential amnesty law that could secure the release of hundreds imprisoned during President Nicolás Maduro’s administration.
According to the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners, ten family members are participating in the hunger strike, vowing to continue until all 33 political prisoners estimated to be held at Zona 7 are released. The civil society organization communicated this development through Instagram, highlighting the growing frustration among families who have maintained vigil outside the detention center since January 8th.
The demonstration follows Saturday’s emotional release of 17 prisoners from Zona 7, who experienced tearful reunions with their families. While hundreds of dissidents have been freed from other Venezuelan prisons in recent weeks, releases from this particular facility have remained notably limited despite government promises of significant prisoner releases following a recent U.S. raid.
Yessy Orozco, daughter of a former legislator arrested in November, publicly challenged National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez to honor his commitment regarding prisoner releases. The appeal comes as Venezuela’s ruling party-controlled legislature debates unprecedented amnesty legislation that could liberate opposition members, activists, and human rights defenders detained for political reasons.
Thursday’s parliamentary session marked a significant departure from the government’s longstanding denial of political prisoners’ existence. Lawmakers approved portions of the measure but suspended the session to resolve contentious issues, including whether exiles avoiding detention qualify for amnesty. Deliberations are scheduled to resume next week.
Meanwhile, exiled opposition leader Maria Corina Machado addressed international policy analysts via video conference from the Munich Security Conference, advocating for democratic transition through elections. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate emphasized that such transition would be “orderly, peaceful” and beneficial for Venezuela, the region, and the United States, while acknowledging that timing depends on “political conditions.”
Machado dismissed predictions of chaos following potential governmental change, citing Venezuela’s “cohesive, united” civil society and claiming majority support from armed forces. Her position aligns with Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have expressed support for new elections without specifying a timeframe.
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Cuban cigar festival called off as US blockade fuels energy crisis
Havana’s renowned Festival del Habano has been indefinitely postponed due to severe fuel shortages exacerbated by the United States’ economic embargo against Cuba. The organizing committee announced the decision on Saturday, citing the “complex economic situation” created by Washington’s longstanding restrictions as the primary reason for delaying the five-day event originally scheduled for late February.
The fuel crisis, intensified by recent US seizures of Venezuelan oil shipments destined for Cuba, has created widespread power outages lasting up to 18 hours daily across the Caribbean nation. This energy shortage has critically impacted essential services including hospital emergency wards and medical treatments for dialysis patients.
Compounding the situation, Cuba faces an aviation fuel deficit that has prompted several airlines to suspend services to the island. Multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, have issued travel advisories recommending against non-essential visits to Cuba.
The Habano Festival typically attracts over 1,300 attendees from approximately 70 countries who come to sample premium Cuban cigars, visit tobacco plantations, and tour manufacturing facilities. Cuban cigars, while considered among the world’s finest, remain illegal in the United States due to trade embargoes dating back to 1960.
Organizers emphasized their commitment to maintaining the event’s international prestige, stating they are working to establish new dates when conditions improve. “The priority of the Habano Festival is to offer its participants a comprehensive experience at the height of the relevance and prestige that this event represents internationally,” the committee explained.
The current situation reflects deteriorating US-Cuba relations following improvements during the Obama administration. President Donald Trump has recently urged Cuban leaders to “make a deal” while facing unspecified consequences. United Nations human rights experts have characterized Washington’s restrictions on Cuba’s oil imports as an “extreme form of unilateral economic coercion.”
The postponement highlights how geopolitical tensions continue to affect cultural and economic activities in Cuba six decades after the implementation of the US embargo following Fidel Castro’s revolution.
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Rio Carnival street party dogs parade as humans protest against pet killers
RIO DE JANEIRO — In a vibrant display of compassion and celebration, hundreds of dog owners transformed a traditional Carnival street party into a powerful demonstration against animal cruelty this Saturday. The event, known as “Blocao” (a portmanteau of “bloco” meaning street party and “cão” meaning dog in Portuguese), saw approximately 300 participants and their creatively costumed pets gather in Barra da Tijuca neighborhood.
Despite Rio’s scorching 30°C (86°F) temperatures, organizers implemented extensive protective measures for the canine attendees. Paws were shielded from hot pavement, hydration stations provided continuous refreshment, and shaded areas ensured comfort throughout the two-hour celebration. The dogs—adorned as alligators, fairies, and superheroes—wagged their tails to samba rhythms while enjoying special breakfast bowls and making new furry friends.
The gathering took on profound significance as participants waved white ribbons and performed musical tributes to Orelha, a dog whose brutal killing in southern Brazil January sparked national outrage. A 15-year-old has been charged in the case, which remains pending in the juvenile justice system.
Marco Antonio Marinho, 72, the event’s chief organizer, emphasized the deep bond between pets and families: “Dogs are integral family members who share our emotions—when we’re sad, they comfort us; when we celebrate, they deserve to join our happiness.” The sentiment resonated with attendees like Natalia Reis, 28, who attended with her 11-year-old dog Theo, expressing that Orelha’s tragedy “could have happened to any of us.”
Now in its twentieth year, Blocao traditionally featured street parades but adapted to stationary celebrations to prioritize animal safety. Passing motorists honked in support of the demonstration, highlighting growing public awareness about animal welfare issues in Brazilian society.
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The samba-dancing skier making Brazil Olympic history
In an extraordinary display of athletic prowess and personal redemption, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen carved his name into Olympic history by securing Brazil’s inaugural Winter Games medal with a stunning giant slalom victory. The 25-year-old skier, competing in the green and yellow of his maternal heritage, delivered a masterful performance on Bormio’s challenging Stelvio piste amid deteriorating weather conditions.
Pinheiro Braathen’s triumph over Swiss defending champion Marco Odermatt by 0.58 seconds represents more than just athletic achievement—it marks the first Winter Olympic medal ever won by any South American nation. The victory becomes particularly poignant given the athlete’s recent history: exactly one year after announcing his shock retirement from professional skiing, citing a loss of ‘joy of living,’ he returned to the sport with renewed purpose.
The Brazilian-Norwegian skier established a commanding 0.95-second lead after the first run, maintaining his composure despite pressure from Odermatt’s aggressive second descent. His victory denied the four-time World Cup champion what many considered an inevitable gold medal, reshaping the alpine skiing hierarchy at the Milan-Cortina Games.
Pinheiro Braathen’s journey to Olympic glory reflects a lifetime of cultural navigation. Born in Oslo to a Norwegian father and Brazilian mother, he spent his childhood oscillating between continents, moving homes 21 times before turning 22. Initially drawn to football and resistant to skiing, he eventually embraced the sport’s high-speed challenges while maintaining his Brazilian cultural identity.
His flamboyant personality—evidenced by painted fingernails, samba celebrations, and fashion runway appearances—has brought unprecedented color to alpine skiing. After winning 12 World Cup medals for Norway, his decision to retire at 23 and subsequently return representing Brazil has become one of sports’ most compelling narratives of self-discovery.
Following his historic victory, Pinheiro Braathen emphasized the importance of authenticity: ‘I hope I can inspire kids that despite what they wear, despite how they look, despite where they come from, they can follow their dreams and be who they really are. That is the real source of happiness in life.’
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Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen wins giant slalom, earns South America’s 1st medal at Winter Games
In a historic moment for winter sports, Brazilian alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen captured the Olympic giant slalom gold medal on Saturday, delivering South America’s first-ever Winter Games medal. The 25-year-old athlete mastered the challenging Stelvio course in Bormio, Italy, overcoming falling snow and dense fog to finish with a combined two-run time of 2 minutes, 25 seconds.
Pinheiro Braathen’s victory margin of 0.58 seconds secured his triumph over defending Olympic champion Marco Odermatt of Switzerland, who claimed silver. Odermatt’s teammate Loic Meillard completed the podium with bronze.
The emotional champion collapsed onto the snow in celebration upon seeing his top-ranked position, later explaining his mindset during the decisive run: “I was pulling, pulling, always pulling, trying to find where to step, always trying to find the rhythm. I was skiing with my heart, and when you ski the way you are, anything is possible.”
Pinheiro Braathen’s background reflects his unique journey—born to a Brazilian mother and Norwegian father, he initially competed for Norway before unexpectedly retiring prior to the 2023 season. His return to competitive skiing representing Brazil just one year later has culminated in this extraordinary achievement.
The victory carries special significance during Brazil’s Carnival season, a connection highlighted by the skier’s helmet inscription “Vamos Dancar” (Let’s Dance) and his reputation as a samba-dancing, fun-loving competitor. Brazilian supporters at “Casa Brasil” in Milan erupted in celebration, with the venue playing both Queen’s “We Are The Champions” and traditional samba music.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recognized the achievement on social media, stating: “This unprecedented result shows Brazilian sport has no limits. It is the reflection of talent, dedication and continuous work to strengthen sport in every dimension.”
The victory adds to Pinheiro Braathen’s growing legacy as a pioneer for Brazilian winter sports, having previously become the first Brazilian Alpine racer to reach a World Cup podium last year and securing the country’s first World Cup win this season.
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Oil refinery ablaze in Cuba as fuel crisis deepens
A significant fire erupted at the Ñico López Refinery in Havana, Cuba, on Friday, sending plumes of black smoke over the capital’s bay area. Cuban energy officials confirmed the blaze has been contained without injuries, though it occurred perilously close to moored oil tankers in Havana Bay. An official investigation into the incident has been initiated.
This industrial accident exacerbates Cuba’s severe fuel crisis, intensified by recent US actions against Venezuelan oil shipments. The United States military’s seizure of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas on January 3rd triggered a chain of events that has strangled Cuba’s energy supply. Washington subsequently confiscated Venezuelan oil tankers and imposed new tariffs on nations supplying petroleum to Cuba, effectively blocking the approximately 35,000 barrels of oil Venezuela previously provided daily.
The embargo’s consequences are reverberating across Cuban society. Hospitals report emergency ward disruptions, dialysis patients face treatment uncertainties, and critical infrastructure like water pumping stations suffers operational failures. The aviation fuel shortage has compelled multiple airlines to suspend services to the island, prompting several countries including the United Kingdom to issue travel advisories against non-essential visits.
Cuban authorities have implemented strict fuel rationing and scaled back public services across healthcare, education, and transportation sectors. Despite these challenges, humanitarian efforts continue with two Mexican vessels delivering 800 tonnes of aid to Havana Bay on Thursday.
United Nations human rights experts have condemned Washington’s restrictions as “an extreme form of unilateral economic coercion,” with UN human rights chief Volker Türk expressing extreme concern over the deteriorating situation. The current crisis extends the longstanding US economic and trade embargo on Cuba that has persisted since 1960.