Colombia investigates ex-president Petro over sex scandal, top court says

Colombia's ex-president Gustavo Petro is under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct, according to the Supreme Court chief. The woman accusing him claims she and around 30 others received government contracts in exchange for engaging in sexual relationships with him while he was in office. Petro, who served as president from 2022 to August 2023, denies the allegations.

The case was brought to the high court after the woman filed a complaint with prosecutors. Supreme Court chief Mauricio Lenis stated that some incidents occurred during Petro's time in Congress and others during his presidency. Investigators will determine which acts may have criminal implications and identify those held responsible.

Petro has indicated he will address the accusations in court and maintains he never used government contracts to obtain favors. His daughters have requested people refrain from causing additional harm to the woman who filed the complaint. Petro's conduct towards women has previously been a subject of scrutiny, including an instance where he referred to female journalists as "mafia dolls."