Arrest warrant extended for ex-spy chief hiding in Panama

The arrest warrant for a former director of Colombia’s secret police  who was granted asylum in Panama by President Ricardo Martinelli has been extended for a year.

María del Pilar Hurtado, ex boss of  the Administrative Security Department (DAS), or secret police, in Colombia  is wanted for her  apparent involvement in espionage against judges and critics of the past government.

The decision against was handed down Tuesday November 20  by the Superior Court of Bogota at the request of the Attorney General.

The judge in charge of the public hearing asked the prosecution to communicate its decision to the judicial police agencies to enforce the arrest of Hurtado.

She sought asylum in Panama two years ago on the grounds that her life was in danger in Colombia.

Specifically, the Colombian authorities are investigating Hurtado because as DAS director she had participated in espionage against judges of the Supreme Court, journalists, activists and opponents of the government of former President Alvaro Uribe (2002-2010). Hurtado has denied the charges against her  and has proclaimed her innocence.

She is charged with conspiracy, unlawful violation of communications, misuse of public office, misappropriation and embezzlement by falsifying a public document.

Uribe, meanwhile, has said that if  during his government  there were illegal spying activities, they were the work of corrupt disappeared corrupt DAS officials.