Colombia military implicated in illegal wiretapping

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Semana Magazine revealed unlawful wiretapping and spying by members of Colombian security forces to high court judges, journalists and opposition leaders.

According to the news outlet, the findings of the wiretappings were to be delivered to a politician from the government party.

"They ordered us to monitor, supervise, and worst, to give that information directly to a recognized politician from the Democratic Center Party," said a member of the military involved in the wiretaps.

Defense Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo, accompanied by Army Commander Eduardo Zapateiro, announced in a press conference on Monday that the Army intelligence and counterintelligence battalions will be audited to determine the source of the illegal wiretaps.

"The Government condemns any violation of the Constitution, and rejects any type of interception,” said Trujillo. “[The Government] will guarantee transparency and promote the necessary investigations to clarify the facts."

If the participation of army officials in this situation is proven, they will have to answer individually before the Colombian justice system, he stated.

Zapateiro announced changes of senior officers in charge of the army intelligence and counterintelligence groups.

Semana Magazine believes the departure of former Army Commander Nicacio Martinez, which went unnoticed Dec. 27, is associated with this scandal.

Those involved in the interceptions claimed the illegal wiretappings were originated within the premises of two military garrisons to avoid a surprise raids by the justice system and media investigations.

During 2019, Semana’s journalists and premises were under constant surveillance and monitoring from the army intelligence and counterintelligence. Some journalists even received funeral wreaths, intimidations and harassment.