The announcement of the alleged funding for the purchase of Pegasus software by Colombia, the newspaper revealed The Timegenerated not only political reactions, but also the release of a wave of memes and criticism on social networks.
The Cambio Radical party took advantage of the controversy to mock President Gustavo Petro.
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The publication, which contained memes and an edgy tone, also referred to the president’s disclosure of classified information.
“Colorín colorado, the smoke screen of Pegasus has ended and Petro muddied it”they wrote in their publication, criticizing the President’s handling of the issue. In addition, they pointed out the sanctions imposed on the Egmont group due to the disclosure of confidential information by the president of Colombia, and they emphasized that “the money launderers were celebrated.”
Not only did the memes used by Cambio Radical attack Petro because of his connection to the Pegasus case, but they also suggested that relations with the new government of the United States, under the presidency of Donald Trump, were beginning to be complicated.
The publication emphasized how this incident could damage the Colombian president’s international image.
Pegasus, known for its ability to spy on mobile devices, has become the subject of global controversy because of its human rights implications.
Report from The Time confirms that high-ranking officials in the Joe Biden administration and in Bogotá confirmed that the acquisition of Pegasus espionage in 2020 was authorized and funded by the United States, at an estimated value of $11 million.
According to this report, The aim of the agreement with the Israeli company NSO Group was to support operations to combat drug trafficking in Colombiaunder strict protocols to avoid inappropriate use.
It is also said that the use of the software ended in 2022, before the arrival of Gustavo Petro to the presidency, and that there is no evidence that it was used to spy on political figures.
After the publication of this information, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Luis Gilberto Murillo, requested an urgent meeting with the embassy of the United States.
Likewise, the Colombian ambassador to the United States, Daniel García Peña, He would arrange a meeting with Dan Erikson, director of National Security for the Western Hemisphere, to clarify the implications of those revelations.
Meanwhile, Councilor Alejandro Ocampo asked to meet with the US ambassador to Colombia, Francisco Palmieri, to discuss the possible impact on the basic rights of Colombian citizens, in particular, their privacy.
In defense of the agreement, former President Álvaro Uribe insisted that this cooperation with the United States It would be necessary for the security of Colombia, although it has been noted that the protocols for the use of Pegasus are in doubt.
In addition, the report suggests that former President Iván Duque was not informed about the purchase and use of the software, raising questions about transparency in the management of surveillance technologies in the country.
General (r) Jorge Luis Vargas, who was allegedly involved in this case, appeared before the Office of the Prosecutor of the Sixth Delegate before the Supreme Court of Justice on November 8, where he exercised his constitutional right to remain in silence.
Although a sworn statement was expected, Vargas decided not to speak out, and the Prosecutor’s Office clarified that there is no formal investigation against him.
This scandal affected bilateral relations between Colombia and the United States and fueled the debate about the use of Pegasus, i.e. software that is the subject of global criticism for its alleged use to spy on journalists, activists and politicians in
various countries.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Political Memes and Digital Discourse
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our interview series! Today we’re diving into the intriguing overlap of politics and digital culture, specifically through the lens of recent events in Colombia. Joining us is Dr. Elena Torres, a political communication expert who specializes in the influence of social media and memes in contemporary politics. Thank you for being here, Dr. Torres!
Dr. Elena Torres (DET): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this fascinating intersection.
TNE: Recently, we saw the Cambio Radical party leveraging memes to mock President Gustavo Petro amidst the controversy surrounding the alleged purchasing of the Pegasus surveillance software. What do you think motivates political parties to use memes in this way?
DET: Memes are a powerful tool in political discourse for several reasons. First, they condense complex issues into easily digestible visuals and phrases, making them accessible to a broader audience. In the case of Cambio Radical, they capitalized on the Pegasus controversy to undermine Petro’s credibility, framing it as a “smoke screen.” This not only criticizes his leadership but also engages social media users who might be looking for humorous takes on serious political issues.
TNE: Absolutely. The use of humor can disarm opponents and attract attention. What kind of impact do you think these memes have on public perception?
DET: Memes can significantly shape public perception, especially among younger audiences who are often the most active on social media. They function almost like mini-campaigns that can spread quickly. By mocking the president, Cambio Radical not only creates a narrative but also reinforces negative associations with Petro’s handling of sensitive information. Over time, these perceptions can become entrenched and influence how policies and leaders are viewed.
TNE: In the context of the Colombian political landscape, how do you see the balance between humor and serious critique in memes? Can they go too far?
DET: There’s always a fine line. While humor can enhance engagement, it can also trivialize serious issues, which is certainly a risk in political discourse. In the case of Pegasus, the implications for human rights and privacy are profound, yet the memes from Cambio Radical might undermine the gravity of these discussions. The key is to maintain a critical perspective; memes should serve to encourage informed dialogue rather than replace it.
TNE: The recent article also mentioned the potential damage to Petro’s international image due to these events. How can memes influence international perceptions of a leader?
DET: Memes travel beyond borders and can shape international narratives almost instantly. Just as local constituents can be influenced, so too can global audiences. An image or joke about Petro might resonate in other countries, especially if it aligns with existing narratives about Colombian politics or if it plays into broader geopolitical themes. This can complicate diplomatic relationships, as seen with the highlighted tensions with the U.S. administration.
TNE: Given that Pegasus is tied to serious human rights concerns, how should political leaders respond to such meme campaigns? Ignoring them can sometimes be tempting.
DET: Leaders need to engage thoughtfully. Ignoring memes can backfire, allowing the narrative to solidify without their input. Instead, they should address both the humorous elements and the serious allegations. Taking memes seriously—acknowledging their influence while also steering discussions back to substantive issues—can help mitigate their impact and redirect public focus.
TNE: Excellent points, Dr. Torres! As we wrap up, what do you suggest for citizens to navigate the climate of digital discourse influenced by memes?
DET: Critical thinking is key. Citizens should approach memes with a discerning eye—questioning the motivations behind them, the context they present, and the issues at stake. Engaging with diverse sources of information can provide a more nuanced understanding of the political landscape beyond the humor.
TNE: Thank you so much for your insights today! It’s clear that while memes can add a layer of fun to political critique, they also carry significant weight in shaping public narratives and perceptions.
DET: Thank you for the discussion! It’s a fascinating time for political communication.
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This interview encapsulates the complex relationship between politics, humor, and public perception, particularly in the context of the Colombian situation, and provides valuable insights into navigating the evolving landscape of digital discourse.