Jaime Garzón facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jaime Garzón
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| Born | 24 October 1960 Bogotá, Colombia
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| Died | 13 August 1999 (aged 38) Bogotá, Colombia
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| Cause of death | Gunshot wounds |
| Education | Initial education in Seminarian Minor of Bogotá Universidad Nacional de Colombia (law, 1983) |
| Occupation | Journalist, comedian, television producer, lawyer, peace activist |
Jaime Hernando Garzón Forero (born October 24, 1960 – died August 13, 1999) was a famous Colombian comedian, journalist, and peace activist. He was very popular on Colombian television in the 1990s because of his unique way of making jokes about politics. Besides his TV work, he also helped as a peace negotiator. He worked to help release people who were held by armed groups like the FARC guerrillas. Sadly, he was murdered in 1999 by hitmen from a right-wing armed group.
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Life and Early Career
Jaime Garzón was born in Bogotá, Colombia, on October 24, 1960. He studied law and political science at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. However, he became very involved in politics and television, so he did not finish his studies. Jaime was a big fan of Millonarios FC, a football club from his hometown of Bogotá.
Becoming a Mayor
In 1988, Garzón joined the political campaign of Andrés Pastrana. Pastrana was running to become the mayor of Bogotá. When Pastrana won, he chose Garzón to be the mayor of Sumapaz. Sumapaz was a rural area in the district that needed a lot of help.
As mayor, Garzón worked hard to make life better for the people of Sumapaz. In just one year, he helped create a health center. He also improved the local school and paved the town's only street.
Between 1990 and 1994, he worked at the Nariño House. This is where the President of Colombia works. During President César Gaviria's time, Garzón helped translate the new Colombian Constitution of 1991 into different local languages. He also advised the president on communication matters.
Television Career
Jaime Garzón first appeared on television in 1987. A TV director heard about his talent for imitating politicians. He invited Garzón to be on a news show called Noticiero de las 7.
He became very famous for his TV shows that used humor to talk about society and politics. One popular show was Zoociedad (meaning "Zoociety") in the 1990s. Later, he worked on a program called "¡Quac! El Noticero" with actor Diego León Hoyos.
Garzón created many memorable characters. One of his most famous was "Heriberto de la Calle." Heriberto was a humble shoe shiner who would interview important people, including politicians. Through this character, Garzón would ask funny and thought-provoking questions.
| Year | Program | Main Character(s) |
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| 1990–1993 | Zoociedad | Émerson de Francisco |
| 1995–1997 | ¡Quac! El noticero | Heriberto de la Calle, Nestor Elí, Inti de la Hoz, and others |
| 1997 | La Lechuza | Heriberto de la Calle |
Working for Peace
Jaime Garzón was also a dedicated peace activist. He often tried to help solve conflicts in Colombia.
In March 1998, an armed group called FARC took 32 people against their will on a road. Among them were people from the United States and Italy. Garzón was part of a group that helped get nine of these people released. This was a humanitarian mission, meaning it was done to help people.
Because of his work helping to free people, some military leaders questioned him. General Jorge Enrique Mora Rangel, a commander in the Colombian Army, asked for an investigation into Garzón's actions. However, another official defended Garzón, saying his role was purely humanitarian. Garzón tried to meet with General Mora to explain, but the meeting never happened.
Garzón received many threats because of his efforts to promote peace and help release people. The most serious threats came from Carlos Castaño, a leader of a different armed group. Senator Piedad Córdoba was also taken by Castaño's group. When she was released, she warned Garzón about the danger he was in.
His Murder
On August 13, 1999, Jaime Garzón was on his way to the Radionet radio station in Bogotá. It was 5:45 in the morning. As he was driving his gray Jeep Cherokee, two men on a motorcycle approached his car. They called his name and then shot him five times. Jaime Garzón was 38 years old.
The news of his death spread quickly. His colleagues at Radionet were the first to tell Colombia. Many people were very sad and went out into the streets to show their grief.
The Investigation
After Jaime Garzón's murder, investigations began. In 2009, a former leader of an armed group, Freddy Rendón Herrera, said that Carlos Castaño had ordered Garzón's killing. He claimed this was done at the request of some high-ranking military leaders at the time.
Years later, in February 2021, a court confirmed a 26-year prison sentence. This sentence was for José Miguel Narváez, a former deputy director of a security agency. He was found guilty for his part in the murder of Jaime Garzón.
See also
In Spanish: Jaime Garzón para niños
