The New '12 Apostles' of Crime: Why is Petro Protecting Them?
President Gustavo Petro stunned a large part of the country on Friday by asking the Attorney General's Office to suspend arrest warrants for 29 members of the Clan del Golfo, including Chiquito Malo, successor to alias Otoniel and now the head of that drug-terrorist group.
TL;DR
- President Gustavo Petro requested the suspension of arrest warrants for 29 Clan del Golfo members, including leader 'Chiquito Malo'.
- This action has caused significant controversy and public indignation, especially following the murder of a journalist whose killers are linked to armed groups receiving presidential benefits.
- The Fiscalía has established a 'red line,' stating that benefits for the Clan del Golfo can only occur within strictly defined 'Temporary Location Zones' (ZUTs).
- Critics argue that these zones may not be effective and could potentially protect criminals under state protection.
- The government has designated seven ZUTs with four different armed organizations across various regions.
- Legal and academic experts question the timing and implementation of these zones, noting that they should ideally occur when peace talks are more advanced and lacking a solid legal framework for transition to civilian life.
- Concerns are raised that these zones are located in strategic areas for drug trafficking and gold mining, potentially serving as sanctuaries against extradition.
- Data suggests that while the government engages in dialogue, armed groups like the Clan del Golfo are expanding their territorial presence and consolidating criminal power.
- Past incidents, including the protection of 'El Mocho Olmedo' and controversial designations for figures like 'Araña' and 'Calarcá,' highlight a pattern of granting legal shields to individuals with serious criminal records.
- The article details multiple cases of individuals with extensive criminal histories, including drug trafficking, terrorism, and murder, being granted benefits or appointed as peace managers, often with pending extradition requests from the United States.