Following the attack that left Colombian senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay critically injured, voices from around the world have risen in support of his integrity, his family, and the democratic values he represents. The international community, and in particular that of the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), has issued a heartfelt tribute and a strong statement through a group of students, alumni, faculty, and members of its academic community known as Friends of Miguel.

In an article published by Harvard Kennedy School on June 18, moving testimonies highlight Uribe Turbay’s public trajectory and personal values. “Miguel walked through the Kennedy School with open eyes and an open heart. He was profoundly optimistic about Colombia’s future, and he was committed to that future,” said David King, senior lecturer in Public Policy.

Jeffrey Liebman, director of the Taubman Center, praised his technical expertise in infrastructure and procurement, while Professor Kessely Hong recalled how the tragic death of his mother shaped his vocation for public service. Messages of support have crossed borders. From Pakistan, Hamza Haroon, also an HKS graduate, shared: “Miguel is one of the finest human beings I know, a true patriot of Colombia. He represents hope for many.

He is my best friend, my brother, and someone I deeply admire.” These testimonies reflect the deep respect and affection he has inspired among those who knew him at Harvard, regardless of nationality, culture, or ideology. This tribute is part of a broader mobilization led by Friends of Miguel, who released a joint declaration titled Statement of Condemnation. In it, they condemn the June 7 attack as “not just an attack on a person, but on Colombia’s democratic institutions” and affirm: “democracy must never be held hostage by fear.”

The statement has been signed by more than 200 alumni and members of the Harvard community, from countries such as Kenya, Chile, Denmark, India, among many others, reflecting the global dimension of support for Miguel Uribe and Colombia’s democratic process. The group makes a clear and urgent call to the Colombian government to: Guarantee a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation. Provide immediate and ongoing protection to Miguel Uribe, his family, and other public figures.

Ensure free, fair, and timely elections in 2026. Defend democracy and bring to justice those who resort to terror. The Harvard community reaffirms that this type of political violence is not an isolated incident and that democratic countries cannot normalize fear as the cost of public participation Now more than ever, academics, professionals, and citizens around the world raise their voices for Miguel, for his family, and for a democratic, courageous, and violence-free Colombia.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)