Rep. Maria Salazar Sends Letter Requesting Denial of Diplomatic Credentials to Corrupt Colombian Official

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Maria Salazar sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the Administration to deny Coronel Carlos Alberto Feria Buitragohis diplomatic credentials. 

"President Petro is making a mockery of the generally distinguished diplomatic corps that works in Washington DC — we should not play a part to this farce," said Rep. Salazar."In this case, Coronel Feria is only being sent here to prevent him from having to stand trial and potentially reveal information damaging to President Petro and other members of his administration."

Background:

Coroner Feria was a key player in the cover-up of a major corruption case.

A major Colombian political scandal unfolded in January, 2023, when then Chief-of-Staff to the president and current Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia reported through internal government channels that a duffel bag with as much as $30,000 dollars in cash inside had been lost. In response, President Petro's security team, headed by Coronel Feria, immediately dragged in Ms. Sarabia's son's nanny named Marelbys Meza for unauthorized questioning, including with the use of a polygraph test. During this time, Coronal Feria held her against her will in the basement of the presidential palace for almost 48 hours.

Coronel Feria was indicted by Colombian prosecutors in March, 2024 for abuse of public office, false imprisonment and other crimes. Other police figures involved in the same abuse of authority have received as many as ten years in prison as punishment.

He should not be allowed to work at the Colombian embassy in Washington, DC; he should be denied diplomatic credentials and sent back to Colombia so he can face justice.

You can read the full letter here.