Colombian presidential candidate in critical condition after assassination bid

Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay remains in a critical condition after an assassination attempt on June 7 that recalled the political violence that roiled the nation in the 1980s and 1990s.

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BOGOTA -

The 39-year-old opposition senator is out of a "neurosurgical" operation and a procedure on his left thigh, but his condition remains extremely serious, according to a statement from La Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota, where he is being treated. It declined to give a prognosis.

Mr Uribe's wife had said he was "fighting for his life" following the attack, which happened while he was campaigning in a Bogota neighbourhood. In a recording on June 8, she said "he came out well from the surgery", according to AFP. He was shot twice in the head and once in the leg.

A 15-year-old youth was arrested in relation to the shooting after being beaten up by a crowd, according to Attorney-General Luz Camargo. The minor is currently receiving treatment in a medical centre, she said. The authorities recovered a 9mm Glock at the scene.

Hundreds of people marched past the hospital where Mr Uribe is being treated on June 8 to show their support for the presidential hopeful.

In a national address, President Gustavo Petro said that investigators are trying to establish who ordered the teenage gunman to attempt the hit, and do not yet know the motive.