Verónica Alcocer seeks guarantees from Prosecutor's Office in drug trafficking investigation
The former first lady requested formal access to the inquiry following accusations by Eva Ferrer about the transport of drugs, weapons and illicit money.
Alcocer's defence demands guarantees and transparency in drug trafficking investigation
Former first lady Verónica Alcocer formally requested guarantees from the General Prosecutor's Office (Fiscalía General de la Nación) to exercise her defence in the drug trafficking investigation underway, according to zonacero.com. The request follows accusations made against her by Eva Ferrer.
Alcocer's lawyer Ricardo Gaviria confirmed the submission of a power of attorney and a memorial to the Prosecutor's Office. "We have submitted the power of attorney and the memorial through which we place ourselves at the disposal of the Prosecutor's Office and request guarantees to exercise material and technical defence," Gaviria stated in a statement. The stated purpose is to demonstrate, during the investigation phase, that the facts attributed to Alcocer "never occurred".
The defence also announced that it will seek the application of sanctions and compensation for damages caused by the alleged false accusations, once their falsity has been clarified, through criminal and civil actions.
Gaviria indicated that, whilst they welcome that the Prosecutor's Office has called Ferrer to testify under oath, Alcocer is in "a position" to appear and exercise her defence. "Although the allegations are hearsay and have been contested by their alleged source, they must be investigated: they attribute to an official trip the transport of drugs, weapons and illicit funds, also compromising Colombia's image. That is why we demand rigour, transparency and, above all, loyalty," the lawyer stated.
The defence clarified that since 13 October it has requested information from the Prosecutor's Office about the office conducting the investigation, without having obtained concrete responses. According to Gaviria, only this Wednesday did they learn, through the media, which office is in charge of the investigation.
"Neither the gravity of the accusations nor the anticipated convictions by public opinion displace the presumption of innocence," the defence emphasised in its statement.
Source: Google News CO — Crime