2024-09-13 17:25:10
The Prosecutor’s Office maintains that Nicolás Petro allegedly appropriated more than $1.053 million, which were allegedly contributed by third parties for his father’s campaign.
Last Tuesday, in the city of Barranquilla, the preparatory hearing for the trial of Nicolás Petro Burgos, son of President Gustavo Petro, for the crimes of illicit enrichment and money laundering was resumed. The case has captured national attention due to the serious accusations involving the former deputy from Atlántico in alleged irregular handling of money destined for his father’s presidential campaign in 2022.
The prosecution claims that Nicolás Petro misappropriated more than $1.053 million, which were allegedly contributed by third parties for his father’s campaign, but which ended up in his personal possession. According to the accusation, part of these funds were used to purchase a luxury apartment in Barranquilla, which raised suspicions about the origin of the money and its handling during the electoral process.
The case, which had been suspended since August 5, was resumed after the discovery of evidence by the prosecutor in charge of the case, Lucy Marcela Laborde, was completed. The initial interruption was due to the defense requesting more time to review the evidence presented by the prosecution, which is essential to support the accusations against the president’s son.
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On the way to oral trial
During the scheduled hearings, the court will review the progress of the case and define the next steps towards the formal trial. In this phase, Nicolás Petro’s defense, led by attorney Diego Henao, announced that it will call 60 witnesses that it considers key to its client’s defense. Among the most prominent names are his current partner, Laura Ojeda; his ex-wife, Daysuris Vásquez; Ricardo Roa, president of Ecopetrol and manager of Gustavo Petro’s campaign; and businessman Cristian Daes, CEO of Tecnoglass.
Attorney Henao expressed confidence in the judicial process and reiterated that his client has acted with caution and respect throughout the entire process. “We are ready for the proceedings, Nicolás has been very cautious and very respectful, and we are ready for the proceedings that are coming,” Henao said in statements to the media.
The trial against Nicolás Petro has sparked an intense debate in the country, as it directly involves the presidential family in a corruption case that could have significant political and legal implications. The prosecution remains firm in its accusation, while the defense is confident that the presentation of its witnesses will allow them to dismantle the evidence that, according to them, does not prove Petro’s guilt.
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