Colombia’s Iván Cepeda Unveils Links Between Abelardo de la Espriella and Paramilitary Leaders in Legal Action

Original article: Colombia: tras la denuncia, Cepeda expone nexos de De la Espriella con jefes narcoparamilitares

Colombian presidential candidate from the Historic Pact, Iván Cepeda Castro, has filed a criminal complaint against his opponent Abelardo de la Espriella (Defenders of the Fatherland) for offenses including criminal conspiracy, financing terrorism, and unlawful enrichment. This complaint, lodged simultaneously with the Attorney General’s Office and the International Criminal Court, accuses the far-right figure of being a key player in parapolitics, revealing, through previously undisclosed documentation from the Truth Commission, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, and the Justice and Peace system, his active role within paramilitary operations.

«He was not just a mere financier: he might have directly belonged to the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC)» Cepeda asserted, referring to the extreme right paramilitary organization involved in Colombia’s internal armed conflict from 1997 until its demobilization in 2006.

The core of the allegation revolves around the Foundation for Peace Initiatives (FIPAZ), established in the early 2000s and led by De la Espriella. Far from being a charitable organization, both the Truth Commission and a Justice and Peace ruling depicted it as a paramilitary instrument aimed at expanding its social control.

In a public statement, Cepeda advanced his claims by highlighting a circular flow of funds, stating, «FIPAZ was financed by the AUC while also providing resources to the AUC.»

«In other words, De la Espriella was both a financier and a recipient of funding,” the senator noted.

This dual role, according to the complaint, showcases an organic link with narcoterrorist structures.

The exposure of these connections includes a cast of paramilitary heads. Cepeda specifically identified Salvatore Mancuso, who testified in 2024 before the JEP regarding the relationship between FIPAZ and the AUC; Ernesto Báez, who admitted to using De la Espriella to infiltrate the university sector; and Juancho Dique, who the Supreme Court ordered to be investigated for allegedly attempting to bribe Cepeda to remain silent in Justice and Peace—a referral that mysteriously disappeared from the Attorney General’s office. He also mentioned alias Barbie, for whom De la Espriella served as attorney and stood to gain from the purchase of a lot owned by the paramilitary.

One of the most explosive facets of the complaint involves former Attorney General of Colombia Mario Iguarán (2005-2009), during Álvaro Uribe’s administration. According to testimonies from Mancuso and Carlos Mario Jiménez ‘Macaco’, De la Espriella was pivotal in Iguarán’s appointment in 2005 to ensure the impunity of paramilitary leaders. During his tenure, the Attorney General’s office shelved investigations into criminal conspiracy and money laundering until the Supreme Court intervened.

«These events have faced referrals without results,» Cepeda denounced, urging the current Attorney General Luz Adriana Camargo to clarify the inaction.

The candidate also revealed that Juan Carlos Sierra ‘El Tuso’ accused De la Espriella of requesting 4 billion Colombian pesos (approximately $1.2 million) from paramilitaries to bribe Constitutional Court justices in hopes of classifying his crimes as political.

Cepeda: De la Espriella must face justice and be sanctioned

Given this backdrop of systematic uninvestigated criminality, Cepeda has brought the case to the International Criminal Court, viewing the situation as constituting crimes under the Rome Statute.

«I call upon victim organizations to activate all their mechanisms; De la Espriella must face justice for his actions, receiving the severest sanctions and thorough investigation,” he concluded.

Progressive leader Iván Cepeda and far-right contender Abelardo de la Espriella will face off in a second electoral round, scheduled for next Sunday, June 21.