By Natalia Rueda 
President Gustavo Petro has taken a firm and decisive stance against the abuse and exploitation of children in Colombia. Recently, he announced that he will initiate the necessary steps to request the extradition of Timothy Alan Livingston, a U.S. citizen who went on the run after being discovered in a hotel room with two minors.
The reprehensible incident occurred last March 28, when authorities received a report of suspicious activity in a hotel in the city of Medellin. Upon entering the room in question, they discovered Livingston, 36, with two girls, aged just 12 and 13, in the room’s Jacuzzi.
The news of this repudiating act caused a national and international uproar and raised many questions about how after finding Livingston in the middle of that scene, the authorities let him go free to flee the country even with evidence that it was a case of sexual abuse of minors.
However, the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF) revealed a series of mistakes made by the authorities that allowed Livingston to escape. Suspicions have been raised about possible bribes to police officers by the foreigner. In response to these allegations, President Petro has assured that this situation will also be thoroughly investigated.
The actions of President Petro and the ICBF demonstrate a strong commitment to seek justice for victims and hold accountable those who exploit and abuse vulnerable children. The request for Livingston’s extradition is an important step on this path, and demonstrates that the Colombian government will not tolerate any type of crime that endangers the integrity of Colombian children. Swift and effective action is needed to ensure the protection and well-being of children in our country.