Colombia: Controversy following escape of former congresswoman

The controversy heightened this Wednesday in Colombia after the escape of former congresswoman Aida Merlano, sentenced to 15 years in prison for the crimes of aggravated criminal conspiracy, electoral fraud and illegal possession of weapons.

The National Penitentiary and Prison Institute reported that the escape occurred while Merlano was at a dental appointment in a medical center in northern Bogota and that the investigation is advancing.

Merlano, who was elected congresswoman by the Conservative Party for the period 2018-2022, but who did not take office, had been held since April 2018 in El Buen Pastor prison. The 15-year prison sentence was handed down three weeks ago.

In September of last year, the State Council decreed her forfeiture of ther inauguration for exceeding the maximum expenses established by law for the financing of electoral campaigns.

Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the case continues this Wednesday with the hastag #LaFugaDeAida (Aida's Escape) trending on Twitter.

ef/cg/apz/mem/mfb

Share on Google Plus

About Ricardo Abud (Chamosaurio)

This is a short description in the author block about the author. You edit it by entering text in the "Biographical Info" field in the user admin panel.