In the tumultuous 1980s, Medellin, Colombia emerged as a notorious hotspot, marred by violence and lawlessness. At the helm of this chaos stood Pablo Escobar, orchestrating his drug cartel’s operations and amassing staggering wealth through illicit means. Despite the bloodshed and devastation wrought by the cartel, Escobar remains an idolized figure among the nation’s most impoverished populace.
Within the confines of Medellin also resides Jhon Jairo Velásquez Vásquez, a close confidant and chief enforcer of Pablo Escobar. Known for his ruthlessness and prowess as an assassin, Velásquez openly admits to committing hundreds of murders, cementing his reputation as a cold-blooded professional adept in terrorism and abduction.
Following a lengthy incarceration spanning 22 years, Velásquez emerged from prison, penning two revealing books chronicling his life as Escobar’s right-hand man and his experiences behind bars. Transformed into a political activist, Velásquez navigates life without security guards, relying on divine protection and influential allies to safeguard him.
The violent clash between the drug cartel and law enforcement erupted over the extradition clause stipulated in Article 35 of the Colombian Constitution. Escobar vehemently opposed extradition to the United States, opting for death on Colombian soil over imprisonment abroad. This stance precipitated a wave of assassinations and abductions targeting prominent figures, aimed at thwarting extradition efforts.
Unapologetic and unrepentant, Velásquez reflects on his grim past as an assassin, his tattooed arm bearing testament to his sinister legacy. While his actions may evoke revulsion, his paradoxical idolization within certain circles raises profound questions about societal perceptions of violence and criminality.
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