Colombia’s Colonel Óscar Dávila death sparks political controversy

Colonel Óscar Dávila died in June 2023 amid a scandal involving illegal wiretaps of Marelbys Meza. The case, initially investigated by the Fiscalía of former prosecutor Francisco Barbosa, has been repeatedly cited as a suicide, a conclusion defended by President Gustavo Petro and ambassador Laura Sarabia, who urged an end to its political exploitation.

Angie Rodríguez, director of the Fondo de Adaptación and former Dapre official, said police warned her that the circumstances surrounding Dávila’s death were well‑known within the force and cautioned her to be careful. She also reported receiving threatening text messages from unknown numbers linked to public figures. Rodríguez denied any personal or professional link with Sarabia.

President Petro reiterated that the suicide finding rests with the Fiscalía, not his government, and expressed personal grief over the loss, while Sarabia called for respect for the officer’s family and promised no further comments.