Former Colombian spy boss gets a breather

THE TUG-OF WAR over asylum granted to former Colombian Security Director María del Pilar Hurtado took another turn on Monday when Panama’s Attorney General Ana Belfon filed a motion with the Supreme Court seeking a clarification of its May 29 decision that declared the asylum unconstitutional.

Until Belfon’s request is resolved, the effects of the decision are suspended.
According to the Judicial Code, Monday, June 23, was the deadline for Belfon or the plaintiff’s lawyers to submit a request for clarification. Now the court has two days to transfer Belfon’s request to the plaintiff’s lawyers, Ángel Ávarez and Paulo Vega. After that, they have 10 days to respond reports La Prensa.
In May, the court ruled that the asylum granted to Hurtado violated article 4 of the Constitution, which says that Panama must abides by the rules of international law. The content of the judgment was released June 18.
Hurtado is accused of ordering the interception of communications of more than 300 journalists, judges and opposition politicians while working in the government of former President Álvaro Uribe (2002-2010). Colombian authorities are calling for her extradition, but President Ricardo Martinelli who granted asylum in 2010 said the decision will be in the hands of the new president Juan Carlos Varela.
A Human rights delegation visited Panama recently demanding her extradition.