Iván Cepeda to File Criminal Charges Against Rival De la Espriella Over Paramilitary Links

Colombian presidential candidate Iván Cepeda announced on Thursday he will file criminal charges against his runoff opponent, Abelardo de la Espriella. Cepeda alleges De la Espriella has ties to paramilitary structures and accuses him of aggravated conspiracy to commit crimes, financing terrorism, and illicit enrichment. The legal actions were submitted to Colombia's Attorney General's Office and the International Criminal Court.

Cepeda's complaint centers on alleged crimes against humanity committed by the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), an organization he claims De la Espriella is connected to. Specific accusations include De la Espriella's alleged involvement in selecting congressional candidates supported by paramilitaries, bribery within detention centers, accessing property owned by a convicted individual, and contributing to a bribe related to the election of former prosecutor Mario Iguarán.

Furthermore, Cepeda stated he received reports linking his rival to recruitment activities during meetings of the Peace Initiatives Foundation (Fipaz), an organization previously promoted by the AUC. This announcement comes just eleven days before the presidential runoff election scheduled for June 21. The complaint coincides with recent polling data showing De la Espriella leading Cepeda in the upcoming vote.