In 2021, Colombia experienced one of the most significant protest movements in its recent history: the Social Uprising. What began as a protest against tax reform turned into broader discontent over inequality, state repression and structural injustices. In this context, the figure of Sergio Pastor—also known as “19”—emerged as the leader of the Primera Línea (the “First Line”), a group of young people who stand at the forefront during demonstrations.

Today, after spending more than three years in prison, “19” remains a symbol of resistance, sacrifice and hope for those fighting for social change.

What is the Social Uprising about?

On 28 April 2021, Colombians took to the streets to protest against a tax reform proposed by the government of Iván Duque, who served as president from 2018 to 2022. The reform aimed to increase taxes amid an economic crisis aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The discontent quickly spread to deeper issues such as inequality, unemployment, poverty and police brutality.

“We are not vandals; we are protecting our dignity and those who are peacefully protesting.”

The government responded with violent repression. As a result, around ten young people were killed, hundreds injured and thousands arbitrarily arrested, according to human rights organisations. Amidst this crisis, a group of young people, armed with improvised shields and driven by a strong community spirit, emerged as the “Primera Línea” and confronted the police to protect the demonstrators.

This led “19” to emerge as a leader. “We are not vandals; we are protecting our dignity and those who are peacefully protesting,” he said repeatedly.

Ready to face death

On 28 July 2021, after weeks of persecution, “19” was arrested during a police operation. He stated that, a month earlier, a friend working at the Office of the Attorney General had informed him that an arrest warrant had been issued for him on 14 June. However, “19” decided to stand firm:

“I warned my comrades that true commitment to changing the system meant being ready to face death, exile, disappearance or imprisonment.”

He was eventually arrested under irregular circumstances, according to him: “They didn’t arrest me with a paper warrant but with a document sent via WhatsApp.”

“A senior police officer told me I could be let off if I informed on the others. I replied, ‘A good captain saves their crew and goes down alone.’”

“19” claims that when he was imprisoned, the authorities were hostile toward him. He says he was intensely interrogated and offered the chance to negotiate his freedom in exchange for information about the Primera Línea:

“A senior police officer told me I could be let off if I informed on the others. I replied, ‘A good captain saves their crew and goes down alone.’”

He is currently being accused of torture and criminal conspiracy, accusations which he categorically denies. “There has never been any evidence and there never will be. We are being wrongfully accused because they fear the change we represent.”

Challenges multiply as his health deteriorates

In 2022, “19” suffered an even more painful setback when he fractured two cervical vertebrae, requiring surgery. However, according to him, the operation was carried out negligently and he was transferred to prison before having completely recovered.

In prison, he contracted a spinal infection that required two more operations, yet he still suffers from the after-effects. Today, “19” is paralyzed from the waist down. Despite this, his spirit remains unshakeable:

“I know that my mind is strong enough that, at any moment, I will get back on my feet. These legs that don’t work now will one day work better than ever.”

A message to President Petro

When Gustavo Petro became president in 2022, many young people from the Primera Línea believed that justice would be done. Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing president, had publicly declared during the protest in Cali, “I too am part of the Primera Línea.”

“We are rotting in prison while the dreams and hopes of young people who fought for change fade away.”

Confined in his cell, “19” questions the president’s statement and sends him a direct message:

“If the president thinks he is a member of the Primera Línea, why are we—the people who took to the streets—still in prison? Why are we being wrongfully convicted? President Petro is in power thanks to the sacrifice of many young people and he knows it.”

“19” acknowledges that the government is under pressure but insists that political prisoners should not be treated as mere numbers:

“We are rotting in prison while the dreams and hopes of young people who fought for change fade away.”

A message to the world

From his prison cell, “19” addresses a message to not only Colombia but also Europe and the rest of the world:

“We must not lose hope. We fight for the same cause, even though we come from different nations.”

“I am addressing the peoples of Belgium, France, Germany, Ukraine and of all Europe; the peoples of Russia; all working-class people and oppressed nations: never stop resisting. Stay true to your dreams and ideals. Your freedom is in your hands. Only you can decide whether to live as a slave or to be truly free.”

He concludes with a call for brotherhood and hope: “We must not lose hope. We fight for the same cause, even though we come from different nations. Fight with all your heart, because change is possible.”

The legacy of resistance

More than three years have passed since his arrest, yet “19” remains a symbol of the struggle for justice in Colombia. His story reflects not only his personal sacrifice but also the strength of a movement demanding greater justice and dignity.

Even though he is locked up, “19” continues not only to resist but also to inspire others not to give up the fight for meaningful change. His message of hope and conviction is a reminder of the power of collective resistance, even in the face of the most overwhelming adversity.

Post-edited translation by Félicia Grisé (MA1 student in translation at ULB) under the supervision of Sonja Janssens