A Colombian judge has confirmed the granting of conditional freedom to the ex-director of the government’s Financial Information and Analysis Unit (UIAF), Mario Aranguren, accused of involvement in the Department of Administrative Security (DAS) wiretapping scandal.
The decision was made based on the fact that more than 90 days have passed since the judicial process against the ex-government official was initiated, without progression in the case, making it legally necessary to grant Aranguren conditional freedom, Colombian media reported Tuesday.
Nonetheless, Aranguren will have to continue to appear before the justice system and attend hearings for cases initiated against him, as the person allegedly responsible for the crimes of conspiracy to commit criminal actions, deliberately misleading the justice system and abuse of public office.
Aranguren was arrested last summer for alleged involvement in the scandal that involved illegal surveillance and wiretapping of judges, journalists and trade unionists by the DAS and other government agents.
The arrest sparked controversy, amid which the judge who made the decision received death threats, and harsh words flew between ex-President Alvaro Uribe and the Supreme Court president.