Giraldo moved to Russia in the early 2000s. Since then he has studied in the People’s Friendship University of Russia, got married, and has become a professional tourism manager specializing in Latin America. Until 2021 Giraldo also had a cake business.

On April 10, 2022, the law enforcement detained Giraldo and charged him with “entering a conspiracy to disseminate false information about the Russian Army” (article 207.3, part 2, sub-paragraph b). The Investigative Committee claims that the Columbian citizen had installed devices in shopping centers, which transmitted “false information” about the “special operation”. Giraldo pleaded guilty but stated that he only wished to provide an alternative point of view regarding the “special operation”. Giraldo was trying to stay neutral with respect to the “special operation” and condemned only the fact of military activities itself.

Since mid April Giraldo has remained in the detention center. The court refuses to transfer him to house arrest because of the concern that he might leave Russia. On the outside Giraldo has a 12-year-old daughter from his first marriage, whom he supports financially.

“Memorial”* recognized Giraldo as a political prisoner.