2024-09-26 05:55:23
He points to a “systematic political persecution” against him, orchestrated by Gutiérrez through the media and in public statements.
The former mayor of Medellín, Daniel Quintero, filed a formal complaint with the Attorney General’s Office against the current mayor, Federico Gutiérrez, accusing him of aggravated libel and slander. In the document filed, Quintero points to a “systematic political persecution” against him, which, according to him, has been orchestrated by Gutiérrez through the media and in public statements.
Quintero, who has been a controversial figure in the local political arena, maintains that the accusations launched by Gutiérrez not only seek to tarnish his reputation, but are part of a coordinated campaign to discredit his administration and his political future. “I have already filed a complaint for libel and slander, but today we are also going to reveal an act of corruption related to the improper allocation of contracts,” Quintero said at a press conference.
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Acts of corruption
The former mayor specifically pointed to alleged acts of corruption in Gutiérrez’s administration, focusing his accusations on Plaza Mayor, one of the most important event centers in Medellín. According to Quintero, there was an irregular allocation of contracts in that entity, where the contract was awarded to a bidder who had lost the selection process. “This is a clear case of corruption, and we will present the evidence to the Prosecutor’s Office,” he said.
Quintero’s defense attorney, former prosecutor Eduardo Montealegre, supported his client’s accusations and emphasized their seriousness. Montealegre warned that the prosecution and alleged slander could bring Gutiérrez a severe sentence. “Given the seriousness of the events and the number of slander crimes committed through the media, Federico Gutiérrez faces a maximum sentence of 18 years in prison,” Montealegre said.
This complaint adds to a series of political clashes between the two former presidents, who have maintained a tense and conflictive relationship over the last few years. While Gutiérrez prepares to defend his administration and face the accusations, Quintero continues to raise the tone of his accusations, insisting that he has been the victim of a smear campaign and that he is seeking justice through legal means.
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