Pablo's Rise and Rise
In 1982 Pablo Escobar's election as congressman caused little concern in the halls of political power in Bogota, Colombia's capital city. A provincial being elected to congress was nothing new, and it was fair to assume that the established order would weather this peasant like it had so many others. Little did the politicians in Bogata know however, in but 6 years all of Colombia would look up to this man as their absolute leader, reigning supreme over a nation with a vital export; cocaine.
1983
In 1983 congressman Escobar relinquishes day to day operations of his cartel to his deputy and sometime hitman, John Jairo Velásquez. Contacts are made within the Colombian military with General Fernando Landazábal Reyes becoming a key ally of Escobar by the fall of 1983. Using his newfound platform as congressman Escobar begins a whistlestop tour of the nation, speaking out against poverty and social inequality. An ambitious program of slum clearance and housebuilding attracts a large working class following.
1984
Through bribery, extortion and outright murder Escobar climbs his way up to become the leader of his own political party, Justica or Justice in English. Financed by a growing and sprawling drugs empire, the party gains widespread support. In the same year however, questions are raised over Escobar's links to the criminal underworld, and a special prosecutor is appointed by the Colombian Judiciary to investigate Colombia's "man of the people".
1985
The M-19 twin attack on the palace of justice and the presidential convoy on the 6th of November 1985 would be scarred into the conciousness of every colombian. Resulting in the death of 75% of the supreme court justices and the wounding and 4 days later fatal attack on the president, represented the end of the line for the colombian military. Stating that it was required for the protection of the Colombian people, General Landazabal launched a "protective action" seizing control of the state apparatus. The crackdown against communists, percieved or otherwise, was brutal and left no stone unturned. By the end of the year, some 40,000 had been killed or "dissapeared" by the Colombian military. A regional politican by the name of Pablo Escobar was appointed minister of Justice in the new regime, conveniently quashing the investigation into his affairs.
1986
By Febuary 1986, a combination of the international pressures of human rights abuses, and internal political machinations, General Landazabal was forced to resign by several armed men at a roadside just outside of Bogata. One John Jairo Velasquez was present at the president's vehicle that night, and made sure that the proclamation of resignation was accompanied by another declaring the minister of Justice, Mr. Escobar, as acting president. The US sends a strongly worded note of protest to the Colombian embassy, but Escobar calculates that not much will come of it, due to a certain Manuel Noreiga being a US ally despite heavily being involved in Narcotics. As long as he stays clear of the Soviets, his calculation may prove fruitful.