Wadith Manzur defends himself in UNGRD corruption case

Wadith Manzur, an elected senator, is defending himself before the Supreme Court of Justice regarding an investigation into alleged corruption within the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). The case involves allegations that regional investment projects and public contracts were offered to members of the Interparliamentary Commission on Public Credit in 2023 to secure political support for government credit operations.

During preparatory hearings, Manzur has argued for the annulment of the judicial process, claiming irregularities in how the case was assigned to Magistrate Misael Rodríguez. He contends that the case was not distributed according to established rules, which he argues violates his right to due process and the principle of a natural judge. Manzur also claimed that the accusations against him are based on false witnesses.

The investigation includes several other former congressmen and former government officials. While the defense has attempted to halt the proceedings, the court has rejected these requests, allowing the case to move forward toward a trial. The specific projects under investigation include initiatives in Cotorra, Saravena, and El Carmen de Bolívar.