Colombian President-elect Juan Manuel Santos says he is unable to testify in the parapolitics trial of former Senator Mario Uribe Escobar, cousin of outgoing President Alvaro Uribe, due to work commitments.
The incoming head of state cited meetings with the outgoing government as well as international travel commitments as reasons why he could not attend.
The office of Colombia’s President-elect today urged the Supreme Court to postpone the future president’s appearance in the trial of the disgraced politician.
A statement issued by the Santos’ advisor, Yolima Claudia Jimenez, said “I wish to convey the impossibility for President Santos to come and bear witness on July 12.”
Mario Uribe is being investigated for alleged links with paramilitary groups, who, according to the accusation, helped him to achieve a seat in Congress in the 2002 elections.
Judges from the Criminal Chamber of the court will discuss in the next few days whether it is possible to grant Santos’ request and find alternative way to give evidence.