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Investigation into Laura Sarabia in Colombia

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2026-09-15 17:40 UTC → 2026-09-16 17:35 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Colombian Prosecutor's Office is advancing an indictment against Laura Sarabia, the former Chief of Staff for President Gustavo Petro, regarding an investigation into a January 2023 incident involving Marelbys Meza, a former domestic employee. The case originated following a reported theft of money and documents from Sarabia's residence. While initially estimated at over 30 million pesos, the stolen amount may exceed 150 million pesos. Prosecutors allege that Meza was taken to an intelligence facility, Casa Galán, to undergo a polygraph test, during which she may have been pressured or threatened. During a key hearing on September 14, the Prosecutor's Office added the charge of embezzlement by use (peculado) to the existing allegations of abuse of public function and aggravated illegal coercion. Prosecutors contend that Sarabia lacked the authority to order the test and misused official resources to conduct it. The investigation also includes allegations of illegal phone interceptions and the use of official vehicles to transport Meza for the interrogation. Sarabia pleaded not guilty to all charges and rejected the indictment, effectively closing the possibility of a plea agreement. Her defense, led by attorney Mario Iguarán, has requested clarifications on the prosecution's findings and argued that polygraph testing has been a “normal and recurring practice” within the Presidency of the Republic. Meza has described the experience as an “inferno,” noting that she faced verbal threats and illegal phone interceptions during the investigation. She also stated that she has not received any financial compensation for the damages incurred. The legal proceedings will now proceed to the trial stage.

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