Background on Key Figures
The Colombian Supreme Court has issued arrest warrants for two former high-ranking legislators: Iván Name, a senator from the Alianza Verde party, and Andrés Calle, a representative from the Liberal party. Both are accused of involvement in a corruption scandal within the government.
Who are Iván Name and Andrés Calle?
Iván Name, a member of the Alianza Verde party, served as a senator. Andrés Calle, representing the Liberal party, was a representative in the Colombian Congress.
The Corruption Scandal
According to former UNGRD (National Unit for Risk Management of Disasters) officials, Name and Calle allegedly received approximately $1 million (4 billion Colombian pesos) to facilitate the approval of laws proposed by President Gustavo Petro’s left-leaning government.
Charges and Denials
Name and Calle have been charged with bribery (cohecho) and embezzlement (peculado) as part of the UNGRD corruption scheme. Both have previously denied these accusations and stated through their legal representatives that they will exercise their right to defend themselves in court.
Impact on Political Representation
As a result of the ongoing criminal process, both Name and Calle’s political parties will lose their respective seats in the Colombian Congress, and these positions cannot be filled temporarily.
Context of Corruption in Colombian Congress
The Colombian Congress, like other legislative bodies in Latin America, faces public scrutiny and criticism. Corruption scandals involving some of its members are not uncommon, further eroding public trust in the institution.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in the corruption scandal? The Colombian Supreme Court has ordered the arrest of former Senator Iván Name (Alianza Verde) and Representative Andrés Calle (Liberal party).
- What are the accusations against them? Name and Calle are charged with bribery and embezzlement related to their alleged involvement in a corruption scheme within the UNGRD.
- What is the amount of money involved? Former UNGRD officials claim that Name and Calle received around $1 million (4 billion Colombian pesos) for facilitating the approval of government laws.
- How will this affect their political parties? Due to the criminal process, both Alianza Verde and the Liberal party will lose their respective seats in Congress, which cannot be temporarily filled.
- Why is the Colombian Congress under scrutiny? The Colombian Congress, along with other legislative bodies in Latin America, faces public distrust and criticism due to frequent corruption scandals involving its members.
