Colombian Senate denies virtual or prison swearing‑in for detained senator‑elect Wadith Manzur

The Secretary General of Colombia’s Senate, Diego González, issued a formal response rejecting the request of senator‑elect Wadith Alberto Manzur to be sworn in virtually or from the detention facility where he is being held. The response cites existing regulations and the 2024 Law 2390 on digital tools, noting that neither allows a remote or prison‑based oath, and stresses the constitutional requirement that the ceremony take place in Bogotá.

Senate President Honorio Henríquez confirmed that the Senate leadership is reviewing the request, but indicated that any approval would require legal scrutiny and could set a problematic precedent. Fellow congresswoman Jennifer Pedraza publicly argued against granting Manzur any form of possession, warning that it would send the wrong message about the integrity of the institution while a criminal investigation into the UNGRD corruption case proceeds.