Jorge Alfredo Vargas case sees victims withdraw and hearing held in secret

Jorge Alfredo Vargas sexual harassment victims withdraw closed hearing Colombia

Three of the four women who had filed sexual‑harassment complaints against Colombian journalist Jorge Alfredo Vargas formally withdrew from the criminal proceeding. The victims submitted letters stating they would not participate in the trial and asked that their identities remain confidential. The judge therefore ordered the hearing on the imposition of charges to be conducted behind closed doors, citing the need to protect the dignity, safety and privacy of the alleged victims.

A fourth complainant remains in the case, with her identity still protected by the court. During the sealed hearing the judge rejected a request by the victim’s lawyer to present a power of attorney, and the lawyer was removed from the courtroom. After 137 days of silence, Vargas broke his silence in a public video, reiterating his innocence and saying he will defend himself through his legal team.

The prosecution has emphasized that the confidentiality measures are intended to avoid revictimisation and to ensure a fair process while the charges of sexual harassment against Vargas remain in force.

Entities

Ana Bejarano · Caracol Televisión · Colombian judiciary · Defensoría del Pueblo · Fiscalía General de la Nación · Jorge Alfredo Vargas · Juan David Bazzani Montoya · Judge (unnamed) · Judge 41 of Control of Guarantees · María Paulina Riveros · Patricia Hernández Zambrano · Prosecutor's Office of Colombia

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The hearing on the imposition of charges against Vargas was conducted behind closed doors to protect the victims' identities. www.asuntoslegales.com.co · www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · bolavip.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Three of the four alleged victims withdrew from the criminal case against Jorge Alfredo Vargas. larazon.co · www.lasillavacia.com · www.minuto30.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The victim’s lawyer was removed from the sealed hearing after refusing to provide a power of attorney. bolavip.com · www.colombia.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The prosecutor requested the closed hearing to protect the dignity and avoid revictimisation of the alleged victims. www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · www.asuntoslegales.com.co
[● 2 SOURCES] Charges of sexual harassment have been formally imposed against Jorge Alfredo Vargas. www.asuntoslegales.com.co · bolavip.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Jorge Alfredo Vargas broke his 137‑day silence, publicly stating his innocence. laopinion.co · www.minuto30.com
[● 2 SOURCES] One alleged victim remains in the case, with her identity protected by the court. www.colombia.com · www.lasillavacia.com