Colombia police are investigating the mysterious death of a former congressman who was convicted of voter fraud and demanding kickbacks of his own employees’ salaries.
Former House Representative Ruben Dario Salazar was admitted to the Los Nogales clinic in Bogota in grave condition a week ago after suffering a heavy blow to the head. He died early Tuesday morning.
Salazar’s brother, Gilberto Salazar, told Cronica del Quindio newspaper that Salazar fell and hit his head but refused treatment for about four days. After he began showing incoherent behavior, a co-worker convinced him to go to the hospital.
Police found Salazar’s home in Bogota in a disorganized and messy state. This prompted the police and the Prosecutor General to initiate an investigation into whether the incident was an accident or an attack. The investigation is ongoing.
The politician was known for a scandal where he required his employees to pay him portions of their wages. He had required a monthly payment from workers of the Legislative Work Unit in order for them to keep their positions.
In May 2009, he was also investigated for charges of vote-buying. During his campaign in 2006 he had offered housing subsidies in exchange for votes.
During the investigation he was allowed to attend congress but had to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet and could not leave the country. In June of 2009 he was arrested .
In October 2009 he admitted to the charges in an audience with the Supreme Court and was stripped of his investiture.
Sources
- Excongresista Rubén Darío Salazar murió por golpe en la cabeza (Cronica del Quindio)
- Muere en Bogotá el excongresista Rubén Darío Salazar Orozco (Caracol Radio)
- Falleció el excongresista Rubén Darío Salazar (RCN Radio)
- Congresista legislará con brazalete electrónico (El Espectador)
- Congresista Rubén Salazar acepta cargos por concusión (Caracol Radio)
- Consejo de Estado despoja de su investidura a congresista por exigir dinero a sus empleados (ADN Radio)
- Muerte política de congresista Rubén Darío Salazar declara el Consejo de Estado (El Tiempo)