BOGOTA ( Associated Press) — The Colombian prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation that seeks to unearth the alleged existence of a network of lawyers and organizations that smuggle drug traffickers and people in need of extradition under a government scheme called “total peace.” Must be trying to connect with the policy. instead of money
Colombia’s attorney general, Francisco Barbosa, told the press on Monday that Juan Fernando Petro, brother of the president of the republic, several lawyers and Danilo, the high commissioner for peace, would be called to testify under oath in the coming days. , who denounced the alleged illegal network in the press.
Rueda complained in an interview with Semana magazine over the weekend that some lawyers are charging drug traffickers up to a million dollars to be included in a government program for coexistence and peace.
“We have information and indications that an irregular and illegal operation is taking place, where perhaps some customers are being cheated by receiving offers to become peace managers,” the official said and clarified that entry into the program Happens through “hardened” protocols. ,
With statements under oath, the prosecutor’s office aspires to create lines of inquiry that allow the press to continue to delve into what has been slandered.
“The hopes of peace we have created are also businesses to revive (take advantage of),” President Gustavo Petro said in a Twitter message on Saturday, stressing that only the High Commissioner for Peace can take the peace approach forward. can increase.” “Neither terrorists, nor lawyers, nor officials, nor my relatives are authorized to hold peace talks at any level,” he said.
The peacekeepers are part of a larger project called “Total Peace” by Petro, with which the government seeks reconciliation and peace dialogue with various illegal armed groups, including both National Liberation Army guerrillas and criminal gangs that deal in drug trafficking. devoted to smuggling. Clan del Golfo Cartel.
To advance the talks, the government has asked the prosecutor’s office to suspend arrest warrants for some members of illegal groups and the unit has rejected requests from members of the del Golfo clan.,
After a meeting with President Petro on Monday, the prosecutor clarified that he would not suspend arrest warrants for extradition purposes because “there is no constitutional legal framework to do so” and therefore, a law is needed so that these Criminal organizations must be brought to justice. that the Government would be prepared to submit to the Congress.
Petro has asked the United States to amend the extradition treaty to allow drug traffickers who negotiate with the Colombian government for legal benefits and do not resist not to be extradited.
Has become a matter of debate on the bilateral agenda, with Colombia’s Interior Minister Alfonso Prada recently saying that the government will “respect” the procedures and will not ask authorities to suspend the detention of those who have extradition procedures. formal activity to enable them to participate in peace talks.
