Colombia’s 12-year-old eco-activist refuses to let death threats dim passion

Eight months after Francisco Vera was targeted on social media, no arrests have been made. But he continues to campaign for the wildlife he loves

Ever since someone threatened to kill her 12-year-old son, Ana Maria Manzanares says life has felt like Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot.

In January, Francisco Vera was sent anonymous death threats on Twitter after the young environmentalist called for better access to education for children during the Covid-19 pandemic. The news caused outrage in Colombia and made headlines around the world. President Ivan Duque pledged to find the bandits" that sent the message. Eight months later, nobody has been arrested. But the fear and anxiety have not gone away.