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Who is BelboCodazzi? Twitter suspends 'fascist' troll account over death threats issued to minor eco-activist

The child eco-friendly activist, who is often dubbed as Colombia's 'Greta Thunberg' received a death threat on Twitter warning him from continuing with his environmental activism

When 11-year-old Francisco Vera Manzanares posted a video a few days ago asking the Colombian government to provide internet access across the country for school classes to continue amidst the pandemic, he did not know what lay in store for him. The child eco-friendly activist, who is often dubbed as Colombia's 'Greta Thunberg' received a death threat on Twitter warning him from continuing with his environmental activism. If he did, he will be "skinned alive and have his fingers cut off". 

Who is BelboCodazzi?

This one vile tweet came from Twitter user 'BelboCodazzi', who wrote, "I can't wait to skin this son of a b*tch. I want to hear him scream while I cut off his fingers to see if he'll keep on talking about environmentalism and dignity." Expressing disgusting acts of violence towards the minor child, the troll has gone viral as more and more people join the cause to bring Francisco to justice. After the tweet went viral, with people demanding the social networking site take action, the alleged account was suspended by Twitter. 

Support for Francisco

Francisco, who has been compared to activist Greta Thunberg for his dedication towards the environment conservation, is hardly fazed in light of such brutal words. Vowing to work harder than before, he said in a video he tweeted, "Today I want to leave this video as a reflection along with the invitation to never shut up or allow others to want to turn off our voice."

Many on Twitter reached out in support of Francisco including writers-turned-politicians Camilo Romero and Gustavo Bolivar. "It hurts that you have to find out at such a young age that this country has many demented people who threaten children, but you are very intelligent," Bolivar tweeted, adding, "You know that you're surrounded by millions of us who value who you are and what you do. Grow up quickly so you can be our president."

Romero was much more enraged than Bolivar as he took to the social networking site to call the society's attention. "What type of dementia hides behind these people who are capable of threatening a child who defends life and the environment?," he asked, adding, "As a society we must unite to defeat this fascist way of thinking and without any respect for the rights of others #FranciscoEstamosContigo."

"This is the psychology entrenched thanks to an archaic logic of power that sowed hatred, death and easy money in the lives of the country's citizens. The change in the country must not only be of an administrative model, it must be a profound change in ethics, in social culture," a user tweeted. 

Many are championing to protect the young activist. "@GretaThunberg Many children lose their childhood to protect the environment, here in Colombia they can even lose their lives. Protect Francisco! #FranciscoEstamosContigo," one tweeted. "@franciscoactiv2 From all corners of the world we support you in the face of threats and let the world know what is happening in Colombia," another added.

Law enforcement on the lookout

Following the massive outrage on social media, Colombian authorities are now hot on the heels of the troll and have offered an award. Users went out of their way to locate him. "Please @SPVM this account @BelboCodazzi is trying to harass an 11 year old boy. He said he is located to Longueuil," one tweeted.

After many on Twitter pointed out to his location, authorities plan to speed up the ongoing investigation by putting a reward of around £2,000 (~ $2,723.49) for anyone who can provide information on his whereabouts. It is reported that they have also offered counseling to the boy and his parents.