Victims of illegal wiretapping carried out by Colombia‘s state intelligence agency DAS have asked a judge to allow them to interrogate former President Alvaro Uribe while he is investigated for his alleged role in the wiretap scandal.
According to several media sources, the victims — consisting of opposition politicians, Supreme Court magistrates, journalists and human rights groups — have some 500 questions they want to ask Uribe themselves.
The former president is currently being investigated by the Congress’ Accusations Commission which only allows the three investigative members to ask questions to the former president. Based on the current personnel that comprise the investigating commission however, several victims have expressed their lack of faith that a thorough investigation will be conducted into Uribe’s possible involvement in the scandal.
Luis Guillermo Perez, an attorney representing one of the victims, added his displeasure at the existing system in place to investigate Uribe, arguing that it is the right of the victims to personally interrogate the person they blame for the illegal wiretapping.
Several of Uribe’s closest aides, including his chief of staff and former spy chief, have been charged by the Prosecutor General’s Office with ordering the wiretaps while a number of former intelligence officials having already been sentenced.
Uribe can only be investigated by Congress as his alleged crimes were committed while he served as President of the Republic.