Stories from Colombia

Reports suggest suitcases containing money were delivered to the Presidents of the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate in Colombia. These alleged transfers were intended to secure political support in Congress. The practice is linked to the 'mermelada' system, where the national government reportedly provides contracts to politicians to gain legislative backing. The source noted that this is not a new phenomenon regarding the national government's dealings. Allegations have surfaced regarding suitcases of money being delivered to presidents of chambers to secure political support. The reported funds are part of a larger investigation involving approximately 100 billion pesos.

Authorities discovered more than 600 kilograms of explosives on the Pan-American Highway in southwestern Colombia. The discovery occurred on the route connecting Cali to Popayán, the capital of the Cauca department.

Gunshots were reported near Miraflores in Colombia.

Five individuals armed with assault rifles killed five people in the Puerto Bolivar sector yesterday. Attackers used Chevrolet Max vans resembling police vehicles to enter a residence and shoot residents on the sidewalk.

Candidate Roi Barreras denied claims made by former President Álvaro Uribe regarding a rejected peace agreement during the Juan Manuel Santos administration. Uribe stated he had proposed a large national agreement to Santos, which the former president allegedly rejected.

Former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez claimed Senator Paloma Valencia suggested she could serve as Defense Minister in a winning political scenario. Uribe also stated that if Juan Daniel Oviedo declined a role, he would appoint Oviedo as Vice Minister.

Colombia has adjusted criteria to allow euthanasia for patients with serious and incurable diseases. The Ministry of Health issued Resolution 813, which expands access to euthanasia in Colombia. The new rule states that euthanasia is no longer limited to terminal patients. Individuals may now request the procedure in cases of intense suffering caused by serious and incurable diseases. The regulation aims to reinforce patient autonomy regarding end-of-life decisions and integrates options such as palliative care. This move aims to broaden the application of the right to euthanasia within the national health system. Any person with a serious and incurable disease, bodily injury, or extreme health condition causing intense and unbearable suffering may now request the procedure. This change applies even if the individual is not in their final months of life.

The Minculturas editorial group, including the Mi Casa imprint and Gazeta magazine, will participate in the Filbo book fair. The group aims to democratize access to Colombian culture and national memory through its Casa Común stand.

President Gustavo Petro has claimed that the government of Ecuador is attempting external interference in Colombia's upcoming presidential elections. The source noted that high courts in Colombia have previously addressed similar assertions made by the president. Caracol Radio reported that suitcases containing money were allegedly delivered to presidents. The Colombian prosecution is investigating a case involving the alleged delivery of suitcases containing money to the presidents of the Chamber and the Senate. This scheme was reportedly used to secure political support in Congress, a practice referred to as 'mermelada'. The investigation is described as progressing slowly but steadily. Reports suggest suitcases containing millions of dollars were delivered to Colombian presidents to secure political support in Congress.

A lawyer for the 'Papá Pitufo' organization claimed during a broadcast that President Gustavo Petro acknowledged receiving 500 million pesos for his 2022 campaign. The source noted the investigation is examining if the plane is linked to other matters. Investigators are looking into whether this aircraft is linked to the individual known as Papitufo. An investigation is probing potential links between President Petro's campaign and an individual or entity known as Papitufo. The allegations involve a supposed alliance between the government of Ecuador and former President Álvaro Uribe to affect the Colombian electoral process. Petro stated that criminal groups increase their influence when there is a lack of collaboration between the two governments. The allegations come one month before the scheduled presidential elections.