IPU to observe hearings of former Colombian MPs

Former Colombian MPs Piedad Zuccardi and Óscar Arboleda are accused of cooperating with paramilitary groups. ©Colombian Senate & Andean Parliament

IPU will observe the preliminary hearings of the trials involving former Colombian MPs Piedad Zuccardi and Óscar Arboleda on 22-23 September. Both are accused of criminal conspiracy.
 
The hearings will take place at the Supreme Court in the Colombian capital, Bogotá.
 
IPU has repeatedly expressed concern about lack of fair trial in criminal proceedings against current and former Colombian MPs investigated and judged by the Supreme Court with no possibility of appeal.  The IPU is sending a trial observer to follow the proceedings against both former MPs in light of serious allegations of lack of due process and judicial irregularities.
 
Irish lawyer Nick Stanage will represent IPU at the hearings and will meet all parties and relevant authorities in Colombia. He will then report to IPU’s Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians when it meets during the 131st IPU Assembly in October.
 
The Committee decided to observe the hearings to get a better understanding of the judicial situation of Zuccardi and Arboleda, accused of cooperating with paramilitary groups.
 
Stanage has wide international experience working in the promotion and protection of the rights of detainees and in ensuring they receive a fair trial.