Nicolás Petro Burgos, the eldest son of Colombian President Gustavo Petro Urrego, is currently facing legal proceedings for alleged illicit enrichment and money laundering. On July 22, the Colombian Attorney General’s Office announced that a new prosecutor would be assigned to the case. This decision follows the previous prosecutor, Mario Burgos Patiño, being disqualified due to valid concerns lodged against him.
In their announcement, the Attorney General, Luz Adriana Camargo, stated that a reassignment was necessary to ensure transparency in a case that has captured national attention. Both the reassignment of the prosecutor and the shift toward a more transparent process reflects a commitment to handling such serious allegations with due diligence.
In accordance with the Resolution N° 0372 of 2024, it was clarified that the new prosecutor would handle the proceedings related to Nicolás Petro. The Attorney General emphasized that given the nature of the charges—specifically against the former Atlantic deputy—this case would now be assigned to the specialized unit dealing with money laundering and financial crimes.
Interestingly, the case involving Daysuris del Carmen Vásquez, who is also embroiled in money laundering charges, will now be separated from Petro’s case, as Patiño had previously worked on both. The Attorney General’s office confirmed that a special task force created for these investigations would be dissolved to enhance the efficiency and coherence of the prosecution regarding the related crimes.
As for Nicolás Petro’s case, it was scheduled to resume on August 5 and 6, following a postponement granted by Judge Hugo Carbonó of Barranquilla on April 29. This delay was requested by Petro’s defense attorney, Diego Henao Vargas, who argued they lacked sufficient evidence to adequately defend their client.
Henao expressed relief over the postponement, stating that the defense required full access to the evidence before facing trial. He accused the previous prosecutor of being unfair and obstructing their right to a complete defense.
With the shift in prosecution and the continued developments in Nicolás Petro’s case, there will likely be considerable attention from both the public and media as the situation progresses.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2024/07/22/fiscalia-confirmo-como-sera-la-asignacion-del-nuevo-fiscal-en-el-caso-que-afronta-nicolas-petro-hijo-del-presidente/
