BOGOTÁ — 1985 · Major Tragedy

The Palace of Justice Siege

ClosedSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

On 6 November 1985 M-19 guerrillas stormed the Palace of Justice on Bolívar Square in central Bogotá, taking hundreds of people hostage, including Supreme Court justices. Instead of negotiating, the army launched a counter-assault, entering the building with tanks. About 27 hours of fighting and a fire inside the building left around 100 people dead, including 11 of the 25 Supreme Court justices. A group of people, including cafeteria staff and visitors, disappeared after being brought out alive. Years of investigation led to trials of some military officers, some of whose convictions were later overturned. In 2014 the Inter-American Court of Human Rights held Colombia responsible for the disappearances.

Date: 1985
Place: La Candelaria, Colombia, Bogotá, CO
Category: Major Tragedy
Case Status: Closed
Coordinates: 4.5980, -74.0760 ↗

Timeline of Events

6 November 1985M-19 guerrillas storm the Palace of Justice.
7 November 1985Army operation ends; about 100 dead.
2010A colonel convicted over the disappearances.

November 2014Inter-American Court holds Colombia responsible.
2015The colonel's conviction overturned.

Sources

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