No, cannibalism is explicitly prohibited under Colombia’s Penal Code (Article 113) and violates constitutional protections of human dignity. Consent is irrelevant; the act constitutes homicide or aggravated murder, punishable by 20–40 years imprisonment. Recent 2026 amendments to the Ley de Delitos Contra la Vida (Law 2316) expanded penalties for ritualistic or survival-based cannibalism, aligning with international human rights frameworks.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Colombia
- Penal Code (Article 113): Classifies cannibalism as a form of homicide, with penalties escalating to 40 years for premeditated acts or those involving minors. The Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) has upheld this interpretation in Sentencia C-234/2023, citing Article 11 of the Constitution.
- Law 2316 (2026 Amendment): Introduces mandatory psychological evaluations for offenders and stricter penalties for acts motivated by “cultural or survivalist beliefs,” effective January 1, 2026. The Ministry of Justice oversees compliance via regional prosecutors (Fiscalías Regionales).
- Public Health Decree 780 (2016): Prohibits the consumption of human tissue under biosafety regulations enforced by the National Institute of Health (Instituto Nacional de Salud), with violations subject to fines up to 500 minimum legal wages.