Concern at the National University over pamphlets containing threats against Professor Diego Torres

Professor Diego Torres reported on social media that he had received threats in the form of flyers posted on the Bogotá campus of the National University.

"The National University wakes up like this, with warnings against me. Who is responsible? The complicit silence of the administration (of the academic institution)," the professor says in a video posted on his social media.

In addition to the pamphlets, the professor displayed graffiti reading "Out with Torres." "In fact," the professor says, "the university constituent assembly is supported by the very same people who are attacking the faculty representation."

The National University administration, Torres explains in his video, "has long promised to clean up the graffiti, but they haven't done so."

"I will initiate direct redress actions against the senior management of the National University. I hold Professor Leopoldo Múnera and his administration responsible for my physical safety. I reject any form of intimidation, not only against me, but against any member of the academic community for clearly and openly expressing their disapproval of policies that run counter to institutionalism," the professor added.

In response to the video and the events reported by the professor, the National University issued a statement signed by Rector Leopoldo Múnera denying what happened and explaining that it has provided security measures and psychological support.

"The Rector's Office has made all necessary arrangements with the National Protection Unit (UNP) and allocated budgetary resources since September 2024 to implement the protection measures granted to Diego Alejandro Torres Galindo, the professorial representative to the University's Higher Council ," the statement said.

According to the university's statement, the Faculty of Sciences and the Rector's Office offered psychosocial support to address any potential impact these situations may have on Professor Torres.

Regarding the request to remove the graffiti, the National University responded to Professor Torres: "On October 22, 2024, a thirteen-page communication was sent in response to the request of the professorial representative, related to the removal of graffiti on the Bogotá campus. It presents a jurisprudential analysis on the right to freedom of expression vis-à-vis public officials, with emphasis on the university context. The university notes that the criteria for weighing the rights to honor, good name, life, security, and personal integrity can only be evaluated by judicial authorities. As part of a democratic and plural society, the National University adheres to the general rule of guaranteeing free expression, in an environment based on critical, pluralistic, and divergent dialogue ."

"I reaffirm what was expressed in Communiqué 14 of 2025, published by the Rector's Office, which calls for consolidating the National University of Colombia as a platform open to reasoned debate , a plurality of ideas, and constructive criticism, where respect for human rights prevails. We reiterate our solidarity with Professor Torres and, within the framework of the rule of law, we will continue to take all necessary steps to protect him within the limits of our powers," the statement states.