Alberto Rojas Rios Wednesday was elected the newest magistrate of the Constitutional Court by the Senate, amid controversy over his candidature.
Senator Camilo Romero of the Democratic Pole political party dismissed Rojas’ election by the Senate as a “pantomime”, telling Colombia Reports that the choice between Rojas and the two other candidates was one “not known by the country.” Romero further claimed that the appointment of Rojas, who had the backing of the Conservative, Liberal, Radical Change, U and National Integration parties, was “another example of the government covering up” the needs and voices of the country.
There are also reportedly doubts among the existing magistrates over the election of Rojas, with his critics pointing to close links to existing congressmen, as well as information that came out in the last few days accusing Rojas of tax evasion.
Rojas himself dismissed these reports, stating “they have been obtained through fraudulent means from my declaration of income,” while affirming his integrity before the Senate on Wednesday.
“I have the most investigated past in the country. There is no enquiry into my life that hasn’t been made… I have nothing to hide,” he said.
Rojas, a graduate of the University of the Andes and an expert in procedural, administrative and constitutional law, received 61 of 91 votes, and will replace Humberto Sierra Porto. Sierra finished his term last September, and will move on to become a judge of the Inter-American Court for Human Rights.
Rojas ran for the position two years ago, but was beaten to it by Luis Guillermo Guerrero.
The new magistrate described himself as a “classic liberal,” and declared that he will not place the service of Congress over justice.
Sources
- Los líos del nuevo magistrado de la Corte Constitucional (El Tiempo)
- Interview with Camilo Romero
- Alberto Rojas fue elegido como nuevo magistrado de la Corte Constitucional (W Radio)
- Las consecuencias de la elección de Alberto Rojas en la Corte Constitucional (La Silla Vacia)
- Alberto Rojas Ríos, elegido nuevo magistrado de Corte Constitucional (Vanguardia)
