One of the processes that justice continues against former senator Armando Benedetti would be close to having an outcome. This after it became known that the Supreme Court would be preparing an accusation against the now political advisor of President Gustavo Petro.
(Read more: Confirmed: Armando Benedetti will be new ‘political advisor’ to President Petro)
EL TIEMPO managed to establish that, since last October 17, The Investigative Chamber hosted part of the presentation given by Judge Cristina Lombana. This denies the annulment requested by Benedetti’s defense in a case related to the contracting of the Financial Fund for Development Projects (Fonade).
According to a complaint filed between 2016 and 2017 by lawyer Jaime Lombana, the former congressman He allegedly intervened to favor the Cameral Society of Digital Certification with contracts (Certicámara SA, subsidiary of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, expert in digital signatures).
In that sense, the file indicates that he would have given instructions to his advisor Elsy Pinzón in the awarding of the contract to Jorge Iván Henao, former director of Fonade. The latter testified in the proceedings against Bernardo Miguel ‘el Ñoño’ Elías and Musa Besaile and within his collaboration matrix he mentioned Benedetti.
(Read more: SGP reform will present a difficult fiscal challenge to the Government, warns Banrep)
Former senator Armando Benedetti
Private file
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What was discussed?
In mid-October, the presentation was discussed in the Court’s Investigative Chamber, which also calls for the former congressman to be accused of two charges: influence peddling and undue interest in the conclusion of contracts. In both cases, a greater penalty was requested because he was a public servant and because of the investiture held by the defendant at the time of the events.
By majority, the matter regarding influence peddling would have been accepted. In addition to deciding that the dressed César Augusto Reyes will make the new presentation, which would be close to coming out.
EL TIEMPO investigated what the next step would be in this file and informed sources explained that, once Judge Reyes presents the co-report, it is reviewed and approved, it would be notified to Benedetti and his defense.
(See: What’s coming for the SGP reform after its approval in Congress)
PORTFOLIO
*With information from the INVESTIGATIVE UNIT of EL TIEMPO
