Senator Álex Flórez accused of domestic violence by Colombia's Supreme Court

The Special Instruction Chamber of Colombia's Supreme Court of Justice has formally accused Senator Álex Flórez Hernández of aggravated domestic violence. The charges stem from allegations involving his former partner, Johanna Peláez, during the period between 2020 and 2021.

According to court findings, the investigation includes evidence of physical and verbal attacks. Specifically, the court is looking into an incident on February 18, 2021, during which Peláez was allegedly assaulted while pregnant. Medical records from a health provider reportedly noted a suspicion of physical abuse at that time.

The case gained significant public attention following the release of WhatsApp messages suggesting intimidation and discussions that caused Peláez to fear for her safety. While Peláez appeared in a video in March 2022 denying the aggressions—a recording President Gustavo Petro suggested was part of a political strategy against the senator—the Supreme Court maintains there is sufficient evidence to link Flórez to the alleged acts.

Flórez, a member of the Pacto Histórico party, has denied the allegations, claiming the leaked messages are false and constitute slander. This legal development follows previous disciplinary actions against the senator, including an eight-month suspension by the Procuraduría General de la Nación regarding a separate incident in Cartagena.