Powerful Colombian ex-president to lose freedom during probe

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Christine Armario, Associated Press
Updated 6:11 pm CDT, Tuesday, August 4, 2020



Photo: Ivan Valencia, AP

FILE - In this Oct. 8, 2019 file photo, senator and former president Alvaro Uribe arrives to the Supreme Court for questioning in an investigation for witness tampering charges in Bogota, Colombia. Uribe will not be allowed to remain at liberty while the Supreme Court investigates the allegations against him, current President Ivan Duque said in a video address Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020.

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe will not be allowed to remain at liberty while the Supreme Court investigates allegations of witness tampering against him in another blow to one of the nation’s most powerful political leaders.

Current President Iván Duque lamented in a short video statement Tuesday that his political mentor “will not be allowed to defend himself in freedom” as news of the former president’s expected detention rocked the county.

“This causes me profound sadness, for my wife, for my family,” Uribe said on Twitter. “And for Colombians who still believe I’ve done something good for the homeland.”

The news touched off a firestorm in Colombia, where Uribe remains a domineering voice in the nation’s highly divisive politics. Critics and civil rights groups praised the Supreme Court for continuing to pursue the accusations against him in a country where the powerful routinely escape punishment for wrongdoing.

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/article/Powerful-Colombian-ex-president-to-lose-freedom-15458716.php

[sandensea]

1. He should've done what his pal Macri just did, and flee to Europe

Macri's facing similar charges in Argentina related to massive warrantless surveillance, malicious prosecution, and other abuses of power.

When the courts requested his cell phones, he simply fled to France with his wife and child instead. He was caught booking a suite in Paris' La Réserve Hotel - reputedly the city's priciest - and is now at a friend's house on the Riviera.

Another friend, FIFA head Gianni Infantino (himself facing obstruction of justice charges), offered him a FIFA post as a kind of fig leaf he can use an excuse to move to Switzerland.

The Swiss, as you know, rarely allow extraditions.

Uribe must be jealous. Good on Colombia.

[Judi Lynn]

2. Uribe would be fit to be tied upon learning Macri had worked out an escape plan like that!

They've both been Teflon Presidents, but it looks as if this time Uribe may be running out of Teflon, with any luck at all.

They are both very cruel, destructive, greedy, dishonest people, but it's possible Uribe has made more determined enemies, after so many assassinations, suffering, treachery, over a longer period of time, and with so many blatant ties to the death squads, narcotraffickers, etc.

To someone who has learned only a little, from a great distance, it appears Macri has handled his actions a little more subtly, 'though those closer up might emphatically disagree totally.

Very interesting hearing what the long term goal is for Macri! In the meantime, he's not suffering, is he?

Did you ever see the film, "Bread and Chocolate?" It's really old, from the 1970's, but it's hilarious!

[sandensea]

5. Good one! Looks just like a younger Macri.

I do indeed remember that movie (I must have rented it at Vidiots - a great independent video store in Santa Monica that, sadly, went out of business a few years ago due to greedy landlords).

It was controversial at the time due to Brusati's grotesque - some would say, insulting - satire of stereotypical Italian foibles.

But his fellow Italians forgave him - and he went on to make a number of other well-known comedies.

My favorite, hands down, is Lo zio indegno - 'The Sleazy Uncle'.

It's the story of a free-spirited, irreverent senior citizen (played by the late, great Vittorio Gassman) who despite being a failed writer and living in poverty, hasn't lost his zest for life one bit.

If you can find a subtitled version it online (or not, if you're fluent in Italian), I highly recommend it.

You'll laugh; you'll cry.

Director Franco Brusati (left) discusses a scene in his 1989 comedy 'The Sleazy Uncle' with actors Vittorio Gassman and Giancarlo Giannini (in robe).

[Judi Lynn]

3. Colombia's Supreme Court places Uribe under house arrest for witness tampering

by Adriaan Alsema August 4, 2020

Colombia’s Supreme Court placed former President Alvaro Uribe under house arrest on Tuesday after filing fraud and bribery charges in a historic decision.

Uribe, one of Colombia’s most powerful politicians of the past decades, announced his arrest on Twitter after the court called him to personally informed him of the historic arrest warrant against, according to newspaper El Espectador.

The deprivation of my freedom makes me feel profoundly sad for my wife, for my family and for the Colombians who still believe that I have done something good for the country.

Former President Alvaro Uribe

The Supreme Court confirmed the unanimous decision to place the former Medellin Cartel associate and the leader of the ruling Democratic Center party under house arrest until the end of his witness tampering trial.

More:
https://colombiareports.com/colombias-supreme-court-orders-uribes/



Alvaro Uribe and his friend from Texas.

[Judi Lynn]

4. The crisis that could follow if Colombia's Supreme Court jails Uribe

by Adriaan Alsema August 4, 2020

If Colombia’s Supreme Court decides to jail former President Alvaro Uribe, the government of President Ivan Duque is likely to enter in crisis while the ruling party implodes.

Duque’s party, the Democratic Center, is referred to as “the Uribistas” for a reason; they are loyal only to Uribe and expect the same from the president.

Within the government, the president is surrounded by Uribe’s most loyal underbosses, who have been able to make sure Duque doesn’t get the wrong idea he’s the boss.

Too many Uribista underbosses

With Uribe in jail, the government would become rudderless. Neither Duque nor Uribe’s underbosses have the natural authority to take the wheel or the competence to prevent the ministers to do as they see fit.

More:
https://colombiareports.com/the-crisis-that-could-follow-if-colombias-supreme-court-jails-uribe/