More than 300 people signed a letter of support for the Rector of the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional 

Over the weekend, the academic and educational community expressed strong support for the Rector of the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional (UPN), Helberth Choachí González, through a public letter that gathered more than 300 signatures within just a few days. 

The document, entitled “Urgent Letter: Safeguarding and Guaranteeing the Life of Professor Helberth Choachí González,” calls on national and district authorities to ensure the life, integrity, and fundamental rights of the UPN Rector in light of the threats and stigmatization he has recently faced.  

Signed by members of different sectors of society, the letter acknowledges Rector Helberth Choachí’s work in the defense of Human Rights, peacebuilding, conflict mediation, and the strengthening of public and community-based education. It also expresses concern about the accusations and threats directed at students and alumni of the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional. 

The text emphasizes that “the public university must continue to be a space for dialogue, critical thinking, and democratic development,” rejecting any form of violence, intimidation, or stigmatization against members of the university community.  

The communication also calls for concrete action by several state institutions, including the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá,la Fiscalía General de la Nación, the Ministry of the Interior, and the National Protection Unit, with the aim of implementing urgent protective measures and conducting investigations into the reported threats.