Former senator banned from politics for paramilitary ties

[Judi Lynn]

Former senator banned from politics for paramilitary ties
Monday, 11 July 2011 09:40
Stephen Manker

~snip~
After a four-year investigation, the prosecutor general concluded that ties between the ex-senator and paramilitaries existed for purposes of "intimidation, as well as economic resources from illegal activities, to achieve seats in Congress."

Luis Alberto Gil confessed to having met with ex-paramilitary leader Ivan Roberto Duque, alias "Ernesto Baez," during his time in office. However, Gil claimed that he did not accept any political support from Ernesto Baez, who was the AUC's Central Bolivar Bloc leader at the time.

The prosecutor general also found Gil guilty of having met with AUC leader Rodrigo Perez Alzate, alias "Julian Bolivar," on two occasions in 1998 and 2002.

Testimonies from former congresswoman Yidis Medina also provided evidence that Gil sought alliances with paramilitary warlords for electoral purposes.

More:
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/17531-former-senator-barred-from-politics-for-paramilitary-ties.html