Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Colombia Marks 40 Years Since Deadly Palace of Justice Siege
Imagine a very important building where judges work was taken over by some rebels a long, long time ago, 40 years ago to be exact.
This takeover was very scary and lasted for almost a whole day.
Many people inside, including some of the judges, lost their lives.
Some people went missing and were never found.
Now, people are remembering this sad day.
The families of those who were hurt or lost want to know exactly what happened and want to make sure something like this never happens again.
Even the country's president is talking about what happened, but some people disagree about the details.
It's a day to remember the past and think about how to make things fairer for everyone.
Colombia is commemorating the 40th anniversary of the deadly 1985 Palace of Justice siege.
The M-19 guerrilla group took Supreme Court magistrates and staff hostage in a 27-hour assault that resulted in over 100 deaths.
Eleven of the 25 Supreme Court justices were killed, and 11 people remain disappeared.
Survivors and relatives continue to seek truth and justice, highlighting ongoing suffering, especially for families of the disappeared.
President Gustavo Petro's claims about the origin of the fatal wounds have been disputed by some victims' relatives, underscoring the event's continued political sensitivity.
- Who
- M-19 guerrilla group, Colombian Supreme Court magistrates and staff, victims, relatives of victims, President Gustavo Petro, and state agents.
- What
- A 27-hour siege at Colombia's Palace of Justice by the M-19 guerrilla group, resulting in over 100 deaths and 11 disappearances. The event is being commemorated 40 years later, with ongoing calls for truth and justice from victims' families.
- When
- November 6, 1985, and its 40th anniversary on November 6.
- Where
- Colombia's Palace of Justice in Bogotá.
- Why
- The M-19 guerrillas stormed the building to attempt to subject then-president Belisario Betancur to trial following the collapse of peace talks between the rebel group and the government.
- Date of Siege
- November 6, 1985
- Duration of Siege
- 27 hours
- Deaths
- More than 100
- Supreme Court Justices Killed
- 11 of 25
- Disappeared
- 11
- Assailant Group
- M-19 guerrilla group
- Commemoration Date
- Friday (November 6)