[REVISION HISTORY]

Allegations of political persecution in Colombia

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-21 16:25 UTC → 2026-10-21 18:57 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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). Vargas Valencia alleges that state resources were used for~~ (UIAF), alleging illegal surveillance and ~~profiling of his personal and financial life. This follows previous comments by President Petro stating he had the former director ‘entre ojos’ (under observation).~~ 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 ~~false testimony to influence elections.~~ the testimony. President Petro has denied these claims, stating there is no evidence of ordered pressure. In response to the unfolding scandal, the Attorney General’s Office and the Inspector General’s Office have initiated investigations. Recent developments show the Attorney General’s Office has opened disciplinary investigations against former Interior Minister Armando Benedetti and Angie Rodríguez. Furthermore, response, the Prosecutor General’s Office has referred the case to the House Commission of Investigation and Accusation to evaluate potential criminal responsibility for ~~Gustavo~~ 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.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.