Former President Alvaro Uribe’s chief of staff Bernardo Moreno, who was convicted of ordering illegal wiretaps, claimed Wednesday that his actions were legal and were backed by Uribe, reports El Tiempo.
According to a press release issued by Moreno, “The only thing I did … was to inquire, in a legal manner … about a person named Asencio Reyes who was trying to infiltrate the administration of justice.”
He claimed his duties were “always performed with the knowledge of the president of the republic, Dr. Alvaro Uribe Velez, as he himself stated under oath in the process and confirmed yesterday by press.” Moreno also stated that he never “ordered, suggested or even hinted that an investigation of any judge, let alone through illegal mechanisms,” take place.
He said that he “hopes to reverse the decision,” as the conclusion that the prosecutor drew in assuming that his goal was to “discredit the Supreme Court” was clearly false.
Moreno has been accused ordering the illegal wiretapping of opponents to the Uribe government, including Supreme Court judges, opposition politicians and journalists.
A call to investigate Uribe was made Wednesday by a Liberal congressman, who claimed that the country is calling for an investigation. Uribe stated Tuesday that he takes full responsibility for Moreno’s actions, and has agreed to participate in any future investigations.