A judge has granted conditional freedom to Nicolas Petro, the eldest son of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who is currently facing money laundering and illicit enrichment charges related to his father’s campaign financing.
Judge Omar Leonardo Beltran denied the attorney general’s office request for house arrest on Nicolas Petro, a request supported by the defense. Instead, the judge ruled in favor of non-custodial measures for the president’s son.
The judge stated that prosecutors failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify keeping Nicolas Petro in detention or under house arrest. As a result, he was released with the condition that he remains in Colombia and refrains from engaging in any political activities.
Nicolas Petro, aged 37, was arrested in Barranquilla over the weekend alongside his ex-wife, Daysuris del Carmen Vasquez, who is facing similar charges.
Beltran also decided to grant Vasquez freedom while she faces charges of money laundering and violation of personal data.
The charges against Nicolas Petro allege that he received money from individuals accused of drug trafficking in exchange for their inclusion in the president’s peace plans.
During the proceedings, testimonies unveiled a complicated web of passion, betrayal, and corruption, with Petro being unfaithful to Vasquez during their marriage with her best friend, who is now expecting his child.
Petro has pleaded not guilty, but he expressed his willingness to cooperate with prosecutors. They accuse him of purchasing properties worth $394,000 with money that was not sourced from his salary.
Mario Andrés Burgos, the prosecutor handling the case, revealed that Nicolás Petro promised to provide audio recordings and documents to substantiate that part of the money he received was used to finance his father’s candidacy.
Collaboration with the investigation could lead to a potential reduction in Petro’s sentence, which might range from 12 to 20 years in prison if he is convicted.
While personally distressed by the allegations against his son, the president denies any knowledge of illegal activities. He promised to remain committed to pursuing his administration’s policy plans, including peace initiatives and a comprehensive reform agenda.
