A former sub-director of Colombian intelligence service DAS struck a deal with prosecutors and will go to jail for five years for the illegal wiretapping of Supreme Court magistrates, opposition politicians, journalists, and human rights organizations.
Fernando Tabares, former director of the DAS’ intelligence unit, pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated conspiracy, radio station Caracol reported Thursday. However, it is unknown whether the the disgraced official also accepted the charges of misconduct, abuse of power, and the illegal use of communication methods, Caracol added.
Tabares’ plea bargain must be approved by a special delegate of the prosecutor general and a judge before taking effect.
The former DAS official has accused several members of the administration of former President Alvaro Uribe of having ordered the wiretaps that caused outrage in Colombia’s media, politics and the judicial branches, and was condemned by international human rights organizations and foreign governments.