Colombia's government in crisis after war crimes tribunal bins US extradition request for FARC leade
Colombias government in crisis after war crimes tribunal bins US extradition request for FARC leader
by Adriaan Alsema May 15, 2019
Colombias President Ivan Duque convoked an emergency cabinet meeting on Wednesday after the countrys war crimes tribunal ordered the release of a FARC leader wanted for extradition by the United States.
The announcement triggered a crisis of epic proportions in Bogota and spurred the furious resignation of chief prosecutor Nestor Humberto Martinez.
According to newspaper El Espectador, Duque is expected to address the nation in a televised speech after meeting with Vice-President Marta Lucia Ramirez, Justice Minister Gloria Maria Borrero, Interior Minister Nancy Patricia Gutierrez, Peace Commissioner Miguel Ceballos, Human Rights Commissioner Francisco Barbosa and National Security adviser Rafael Guarin.
The president abandoned a special security meeting in Medellin in order to meet with his closest aides and formulate a response, he said on Twitter.
The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) said earlier Wednesday it ordered the release of FARC leader Jesus Santrich because the US claim he conspired to traffic drugs was unsubstantiated and the process that led to Santrich arrest last year contained serious irregularities.
More:
https://colombiareports.com/colombias-government-in-crisis-mode-after-war-crimes-tribunal-dismisses-us-drug-trafficking-charges-against-farc-leader/