The Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) has called upon Colombia’s Foreign Ministry to deliver information on the disciplinary proceedings taking place against sacked Bogota Mayor Gustavo Petro, reported local media Wednesday.
Without commenting on the ruling made by Inspector General Alejandro Ordoñez that ordered the removal of Petro from office, the letter asked for observations about the current disciplinary process taking place against Petro, judicial resources in relation to the case against the mayor, and the state’s position on the case.
The IACHR became involved in the case when Petro brought a lawsuit against the Colombian government to suspend the Inspector General’s decision by claiming inhumane treatment and political rights violations.
MORE: Bogota Mayor brings lawsuit against Colombia govt
On Dec. 9, 2013, the Inspector General announced the dismissal of Bogota’s mayor, barring him from public office for 15 years, over “irregularities” during the transfer of the city’s waste collection to a public service.
MORE: Colombia’s Inspector General dismisses Bogota mayor over trash collecting scandal
Since the left-wing mayor’s dismissal, thousands have rallied across the country in protest of the Inspector General’s decision.
Organizers expect some 140,000 people to take to the streets in Colombia’s capital Bogota on Friday.
MORE: Supporters of Bogota mayor expect 140,000 protesters in pro-Petro march
The decision to dismiss the mayor has received criticism from abroad including remarks from the incoming U.S. Ambassador to Colombia who said it may hinder peace talks by creating distrust among the country’s largest leftist rebel group the FARC.
MORE: Incoming US ambassador says dismissal of Bogota mayor is ‘bad signal’ for peace talks
Petro remains in office while his appeal is being worked over by the same Inspector General who ousted him from his position.
Sources