Accusations over De la Espriella’s narco ties “lack conclusive or solid evidence,” says Colombia’s justice minister
Colombia’s Justice Minister, Ivan Cancino, downplayed the evidence of ties between President Abelardo de la Espriella and drug traffickers that was displayed in Congress by opposition Senator Ivan Cepeda. In a video, Cancino said that “political oversight is a fundamental tool of our democracy. However, it cannot become an arena for launching accusations without proving […] The post Accusations…
Colombia's Justice Minister Ivan Cancino dismissed accusations of connections between President Abelardo de la Espriella and drug traffickers, stating that the presented evidence lacks conclusive or solid proof. While recognizing political oversight as crucial, Cancino emphasized the need for substantiated allegations, rather than mere displays of organizational charts, past deeds, and business transactions.
He criticized the opposition for not addressing other serious issues, such as corruption, drug trafficking, and fiscal mismanagement during the previous government. The dispute emerged after opposition Senator Ivan Cepeda unveiled evidence of de la Espriella's business ties with convicted drug traffickers and criminal complaints against the president.
De la Espriella's law firm had once assisted the AUC paramilitary organization, which committed violence in Colombia during the 1990s and 2000s. After the connection with paramilitaries surfaced, the president defended numerous "parapoliticians" in court. Cepeda alleged that de la Espriella operates within a "revolving door" system, benefiting drug traffickers and corrupt politicians who previously sought his legal protection.
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