The Supreme Court of Justice is conducting an investigation into former Senate and House of Representatives leaders, Iván Name and Andrés Calle, along with other congress members implicated in a corruption case involving the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (Ungrd). The probe has faced challenges, including leaks of confidential information. Gerson Chaverra, the President of the Court, emphasized the need to adhere to procedural timelines.
During interactions with the media, Chaverra stressed the importance of providing the judges overseeing the investigation with all necessary guarantees. He stated, “This is an investigation that must respect its timelines and the diligent work that should be resolved in the appropriate judicial forums by the competent judges.”
Chaverra voiced his strong support for judicial independence, reinforcing that it is essential for the rigor of the work being undertaken. This autonomy is crucial in ensuring that the investigations into the corruption allegations proceed effectively.
The magistrate previously condemned the leaking of information related to the case, which was meant to remain confidential. Reports revealed that Olmedo López, the former director of the Ungrd, provided detailed testimony implicating various officials. Chaverra pointed out that the confidentiality of the information presented to the Court’s Instruction Chamber should have been safeguarded. “It is the duty of the judiciary and the parties involved to maintain secrecy,” he asserted.
In López’s testimony, he stated that several high-profile officials, including Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla, Director of the National Intelligence Directorate (DNI) Carlos Ramón González, and former Interior Minister Luis Fernando Velasco, were part of the corruption network. He accused them of directing contracts and misappropriating public funds meant for the Ungrd. These revelations sparked public outrage, and their unauthorized disclosure could hinder the investigation. Consequently, the Court’s Instruction Chamber announced it would seek investigations into the leaks.
Both Name and Calle have consistently maintained their innocence regarding the accusations made against them. They denied any involvement in receiving billions of pesos from a Ungrd contract that was expected to facilitate government reforms in Congress.
Calle asserted that his work was always honest and maintained no ties to the Ungrd. He stated, “We will clarify our position to our natural judge, which is the Supreme Court. We have always acted transparently and honestly, fulfilling our duties. I have no connection with any contracts associated with the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management or any other entity.”
In a Senate intervention, Name reiterated his innocence, stating he has never accepted illicit funds. He found it contradictory to be accused of promoting the Petro government’s reforms while openly opposing several of them. “Everyone knows this,” he noted.
“I have been directly accused of corrupt acts. I stand by the integrity of my actions. I am ready to face the justice system and respond to the charges against me before the judges of the Supreme Court,” he declared.
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