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.
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.
International
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
Parades, baton twirlers, and a mix of Salvadoran and international music set the tone for the 20th edition of the Festival Salvadoreñísimo, held in Houston, Texas, with Tony Villatoro once again leading the organization.
This year, the highly anticipated event moved to a new venue: The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, within the “space city.” Despite the scorching sun of the open-air setting, spirits remained high, and a brief drizzle later brought relief and renewed energy to the celebration.
More than 5,000 Salvadorans gathered at the park, joining with Guatemalans, Hondurans, and even Mexicans to commemorate 204 years of independence for El Salvador and Central America. The festival was marked by a family-friendly atmosphere, where traditional foods such as pupusas, panes con gallina, pastelitos, and horchata could not be missed.
“Twenty years with this festival, and I am very grateful to the Salvadoran community that always shows up. Thanks to them, the sponsors, and to Diario El Salvador for supporting us since the beginning,” said Tony Villatoro, as more compatriots continued arriving to the celebration.
“I am satisfied. I didn’t expect this level of attendance, especially since we were trying a new outdoor venue with some challenges, but we made it through successfully,” Villatoro added.
The Festival Salvadoreñísimo, now a two-decade-long tradition, once again took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when independence festivities run from mid-September through October.
International
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the National Reintegration Plan for Returned Salvadorans 2025-2029, a strategy designed to create greater opportunities, ensure access to quality services, and provide a favorable environment for Salvadorans returning to their home country to rebuild their lives.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Network on Migration, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Migration Unit.
During the presentation, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal emphasized that migrants often face multiple challenges upon returning to their communities.
“That is why we are implementing actions that generate real and sustainable opportunities for these individuals,” she stated.
International
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
22-Year-Old Suspect Arrested After 33-Hour Manhunt in Small Western U.S. Town
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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