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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [POLITICS]

2 clusters · 17 sources · 5 days · First seen 12 days ago · Last updated 7 days ago

Allegations of political persecution in Colombia

Overview

Legal and political tensions have emerged regarding the alleged misuse of state institutions under President Gustavo Petro’s administration. Retired Police Director Jorge Luis Vargas Valencia has filed criminal charges against officials within the National Intelligence Directorate (DNI) and the Financial Information and Analysis Unit (UIAF), alleging illegal surveillance and profiling.

Concurrently, former paramilitary leader Salvatore Mancuso has alleged a government plot to target political opposition, referred to as the ‘Pacto de Valledupar’ (Valledupar Pact). Mancuso claims that during meetings in Valledupar in October 2025, government representatives allegedly attempted to use former AUC commanders to provide false testimonies against figures such as former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez, lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, and the late Germán Vargas Lleras. Mancuso asserts that officials offered benefits related to the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) in exchange for these accusations, a proposal that was reportedly rejected by several former commanders. Mancuso named former DAPRE director Angie Rodríguez and advisor Víctor de la Currea-Lugo as delegates who allegedly requested the testimony.

President Petro has denied these claims, stating there is no evidence of ordered pressure. In response, the Prosecutor General’s Office has referred the case to the House Commission of Investigation and Accusation to evaluate potential criminal responsibility for Petro. Additionally, the Procuraduría has opened disciplinary proceedings against former Interior Minister Armando Benedetti and Angie Rodríguez. Legal escalations continue as Enrique Vargas Lleras has filed a complaint against Petro for alleged witness bribery and conspiracy, while Petro’s legal counsel has filed a complaint against Rodríguez for libel, slander, and violation of personal data.

Entities

Gustavo Petro · Armando Benedetti · Salvatore Mancuso · Fiscalía General de la Nación · Angie Rodríguez

Claims

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

[● 7 SOURCES] The alleged pact aimed to secure testimonies against Álvaro Uribe Vélez, Abelardo de la Espriella, and Germán Vargas Lleras. www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · laopinion.co · larazon.co · www.boyacadigital.com · diarioriente.com · +2 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Government delegates requested former paramilitary leaders to falsely accuse political figures for electoral purposes during a meeting in Valledupar. www.boyacadigital.com · diarioriente.com · larazon.co · www.colombia.com · www.lanacion.com.co · +1 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The investigation concerns the ‘Pacto de Valledupar’ involving meetings with former AUC leaders in October 2025. crprensa.com · 360radio.com.co · larazon.co · www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · laopinion.co
[● 4 SOURCES] Gustavo Petro denied giving orders to pressure anyone to testify against political opponents and stated there is no evidence for the claims. diarioriente.com · www.colombia.com · www.minuto30.com · www.kienyke.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The Inspector General’s Office opened a disciplinary investigation against Armando Benedetti and Angie Rodríguez. rionoticias.co · www.elnuevodia.com.co · diarioriente.com · www.kienyke.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Ministry of Justice requested the Attorney General to open criminal investigations into the allegations regarding the Valledupar meetings. www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · diarioriente.com · rionoticias.co
[● 3 SOURCES] Salvatore Mancuso stated that the paramilitary leaders rejected the request to make false accusations. www.boyacadigital.com · www.lanacion.com.co · www.minuto30.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Colombian Prosecutor General's Office referred documents to the House Commission of Investigation and Accusation regarding Gustavo Petro. 360radio.com.co · larazon.co · www.elnuevodia.com.co
[● 3 SOURCES] Angie Rodríguez claims she has received threats and fears for her life and her family. costanoticias.com · larazon.co · www.lasillavacia.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Abelardo de la Espriella called former Interior Minister Armando Benedetti a 'criminal' in relation to the alleged Valledupar Pact. larazon.co · www.lanacion.com.co
[● 2 SOURCES] Enrique Vargas Lleras is filing a lawsuit against Petro for witness bribery and conspiracy to commit a crime. www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · laopinion.co

Timeline

7 days ago

[POLITICS] 16 sources
Colombia: Investigations launched into ‘Pacto de Valledupar’
Colombian authorities are investigating the ‘Pacto de Valledupar,’ involving allegations that Petro administration officials sought false testimony from former paramilitaries against political opponents.
12 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Colombia: Former Police Director files criminal charges against state intelligence
Retired Police Director Jorge Luis Vargas Valencia is filing criminal charges alleging illegal surveillance by state intelligence agencies during President Petro's term, amid the removal of former security head

Sources

360radio.com.co · boyacadigital.com · cablenoticias.tv · colombia.com · costanoticias.com · crprensa.com · diarioriente.com · elnuevodia.com.co · elnuevosiglo.com.co · kienyke.com · lanacion.com.co · laopinion.com.co · larazon.co · lasillavacia.com · minuto30.com · rionoticias.co · risaraldahoy.com

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history