International

Javier Acosta dies after euthanasia in Colombia, sparking renewed euthanasia debate

On Friday noon, Javier Acosta, 36, passed away after receiving euthanasia at a university hospital in San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia. He had been diagnosed with osteomyelitis and blood cancer.

His case shocked the entire nation and those who followed his story on social media after he decided to end his life. The decision came as medications ceased to be effective and doctors ruled out the possibility of walking again or improving his condition.

“I’ve been hospitalized for a month; I discovered a severe bacteria that I’ve been treating for about six years, called osteomyelitis. This bacteria has left me in a bad state,” Javier explained on August 21, during a live broadcast on his Facebook profile, Javier Acosta PK. In the video, he did not explicitly mention his decision to undergo euthanasia but hinted at it. “After crying so much and talking with God, I have no tears left. It’s hard, it’s sad,” he said while describing his suffering.

“I’ve been fighting to save myself, my body, my skin, my bones. Unfortunately, the bacteria came back… The bacteria is like the iPhone, 13, 14, 15, pro, pro max. This bacteria is in re pro max. I’m on three antibiotics,” he said, showing the intravenous antibiotics in his video and expressing that despite the three strong medications, he still had fevers and poor culture results. “I don’t have much hope of continuing to live; it sounds harsh, and I’m recounting it very coldly, but it’s the truth. Life turns out this way.”

Colombian media reported that Javier Acosta died at 12:47 PM on August 30, after being induced into a coma and then undergoing euthanasia. Javier was a fan of the Millonarios football team, and his wheelchair condition was a result of an accident related to his support for the team. A group of supporters gathered in front of San Ignacio Hospital at noon on Friday to show their support for Javier and his family.

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Javier Acosta’s case has reignited the euthanasia debate. Although euthanasia is legal in Colombia, many tried to persuade him to reconsider his decision through social media.

On August 28, Javier received a call from Radamel Falcao García, who learned about his case and offered words of encouragement. “Thank you, Tiger, for praying for me, for calling me, and for saying so many beautiful things about my life… you know the promise, first goal dedicated to Javi PK…” Javier wrote in a Facebook post where he shared part of the call.

According to Infobae, in Colombia, euthanasia is permitted in specific cases of terminal illness where the patient suffers from unbearable physical or psychological pain that cannot be alleviated by other means. Javier had said that even morphine did not relieve his pain.

Related Topics:Colombia Debate euthanasia javier acosta

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At least 80 political prisoners were released on Sunday across Venezuela, human rights group Foro Penal reported, as the broader process of detainee releases continues at a slow pace under the interim government.

Foro Penal’s director, Alfredo Romero, wrote on social media platform X that verified releases took place nationwide and that the figure could rise as more confirmations are completed.

Attorney Gonzalo Himiob, also from Foro Penal, said the excarcelations occurred during the early hours of the day and emphasized that the number is not yet final pending further verification.

The releases are part of a series of steps announced by Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, who took power after the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro in a U.S. military operation on Jan. 3, 2026. Rodríguez has pledged a significant number of liberations but has been criticized by opposition groups and rights organizations for the slow and nontransparent nature of the process.

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