2024-08-23 07:24:27
Moreno Villegas voluntarily presented himself to the police in Quindío to face his sentence for influence peddling for Uribe’s reelection.
Bernardo Moreno Villegas, former director of the Administrative Department of the Presidency of the Republic (Dapre) during the mandate of Álvaro Uribe Vélez, voluntarily presented himself at the Quindío Police command to face his sentence of five years and seven months in prison. Moreno Villegas’ surrender occurred after his sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court of Justice, which found him guilty of influence peddling in the case known as ‘Yidispolítica’.
The ‘Yidispolítica’ case refers to the corruption scandal that broke out during the government of Álvaro Uribe Vélez, in which it was proven that Moreno Villegas used his influence to favor the appointment of allies of Congresswoman Yidis Medina. These actions were crucial to ensure the necessary support in Congress for Uribe Vélez’s presidential reelection in 2006.
The sentence
The Supreme Court ruling includes, in addition to the prison sentence, a significant fine equivalent to 139,579 legal monthly minimum wages in force at the time of the events, which represents a considerable financial penalty for Moreno Villegas.
The extradition of Moreno Villegas marks a milestone in the series of judicial processes that have surrounded the administration of Uribe Vélez, highlighting the persistence of the Colombian justice system in the fight against corruption in the highest spheres of power. His imprisonment is a reminder of the lasting impact that corruption has on the country’s politics and underlines the need for transparency and accountability in the exercise of public power.
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The former official faces serious accusations of improperly intervening in the internal affairs of several public entities, using his position of power to influence the selection of personnel and secure favorable appointments for his allies. According to the investigations, Moreno Villegas allegedly sent resumes with his recommendations to different organizations, including the Social Solidarity Network, the Sena, Etesa and the Superintendency of Notaries and Registry. In addition, he is accused of having organized private meetings and appointments for Congresswoman Yidis Medina, thus facilitating the access of those recommended to key positions in the public administration.
Request for house arrest rejected
The Supreme Court’s decision to reject the request for house arrest submitted by Moreno Villegas’ defense underlines the seriousness of the crimes committed. The court recalled that the Colombian Penal Code prevents the granting of this benefit for the crime of influence peddling, so Moreno Villegas must serve his sentence in a detention center.
In the next few hours, the National Penitentiary Institute (Inpec) will determine the place where Moreno Villegas will be confined to serve his sentence. The voluntary surrender of the former official not only closes an important chapter in the corruption scandals that have affected the Uribe Vélez administration, but also sends a clear message about the legal consequences of using public power for personal or political ends.
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