The director of the DIJIN judicial branch of the Colombian police, General Rafael Parra, describes allegations that the body illegally investigated the National Registry as “reckless,” reports El Espectador.
Carlos Ariel Sanchez, head of the Registry, which is responsible for the registration of citizens and administrating the electoral process, accused the police of investigating without a warrant. He said that between 16 and 20 March he received a visit from DIJIN police officers who had no court order and ignored the Registry’s political immunity.
Sanchez said that “Colombia cannot condone the practice of illegally investigating the issue,” adding that “the state apparatus is not there to politically persecute.”
General Gilberto Ramirez rejected the accusation of persecution, and said that his organization has not brought proceedings against Sanchez.
However, he acknowledged that the police had tried to obtain documents and, failing, they informed the Supreme Court.
The objects in question are the contracts with the company who managed the data in the elections of March 14. The company’s performance was criticized due to technical problems during the day and the following weeks.
The Prosecutor General’s Office investigated the contractor and determined that there had been attacks by hackers on the Registry’s system.
“The soldiers who went to the Registrar’s office did their work, the judicial police and the prosecutor will determine in due course whether the officer is being investigated.” said Ramirez.
Bogota-based NGO Electoral Observation Mission said that votes were bought in Colombia’s March 14 election and authorities suspect fraudulent activity in the ballot count.