Colombian President Gustavo Petro has accused the United States of violating international law after his visa was revoked. The U.S. State Department announced the decision following Petro's participation in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York, where he urged U.S. soldiers to disobey orders from President Donald Trump.

In a post on social media, Petro stated, "I no longer have a visa to travel to the United States. I don't care. I don't need a visa … because I'm not only a Colombian citizen but a European citizen, and I truly consider myself a free person in the world." He criticized the U.S. for revoking his visa, claiming it shows a lack of respect for international law. He added that international law grants him immunity to attend United Nations events and that there should be no repercussions for expressing his views.

During the demonstration, Petro called for the establishment of a global armed force to liberate Palestinians, stating, "this force has to be bigger than that of the United States." He also urged U.S. soldiers to refrain from violence, saying, "Disobey the orders of Trump. Obey the orders of humanity."

The U.S. government characterized Petro's actions as "reckless and incendiary." The State Department's statement emphasized that the visa revocation was a response to his comments and actions that incited violence. Petro's office and Colombia's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the visa situation.

Petro, who is Colombia's first leftist president, has been a vocal critic of Israel's military actions in Gaza. He previously condemned Trump, accusing him of complicity in what he termed genocide in Gaza. His remarks came during a speech at the UN General Assembly, where he also called for criminal proceedings against the U.S. for missile attacks on suspected drug-running boats in the Caribbean.

The Israeli government has denied allegations of genocide, asserting that its military actions are in self-defense following a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 individuals.

Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the U.S. for using visa revocation as a diplomatic tool, stating that it contradicts the principles of the UN, which protects freedom of expression and the independence of member states. The ministry suggested that the UN should find a neutral host country to facilitate access for diplomats.

This is not the first instance of a Colombian president facing visa issues with the U.S. In 1996, former President Ernesto Samper had his visa revoked amid a political scandal involving drug cartel funding. Relations between Colombia and the U.S. have been strained, particularly since Petro's administration took a more critical stance on U.S. policies.