The Colombian Prosecutor’s Office is currently investigating statements made by a retired army colonel who spoke of “defenestraring” the president during a radio interview on Thursday. The controversial statements implied support of a coup d’etat against the president. This follows military protests against President Petro and his defense policies.

Retired Colonel John Marulanda, the former president of the Association of Retired Officers of the Colombian Military Forces (ACORE), was interviewed by W radio, where he made the statements. He said that the demonstration of reservists of the Military Forces against the Petro Government is proof that Colombia is “following in the footsteps of Peru,” which was able to “oust a corrupt president.” The president of Colombia found that the statement implied that a coup was being planned against him and made a statement that he was investigating Marulanda further.

Current ACORE president General Leon denounced Marulanda’s statements as “regrettable” and stressed that no coup is being orchestrated. He says that the statements made are mere “expressions of his thought” and that he “tried to explain what he meant with the expressions he used.”  He reiterates that ACORE supports the “constitutional framework and laws” of Colombia.

A series of peaceful protests have been taking place against Petro and his reforms. Retired military and police officers are the latest group to protest. The protests took place against Petro’s security policies and fight against drugs.