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Diplomatic sources in the United States have just confirmed to EL TIEMPO for the first time that former paramilitary chief Salvatore Mancuso will be deported to Colombia.
As they explained, deportation to Italy is detrimental to the interests of the Trump government. For this reason, responding to a request from Colombia, they prepare their shipment to the country in the coming weeks. But they leave the door open for him to stay in the United States, which would mean – if that possibility were to materialize – a defeat for Colombia, which aspired to achieve his extradition.
(We invite you to read: The history of the mistakes that have Mancuso with one foot in Italy)
The decision of the United States, of a purely political nature, will be notified this Sunday both to the government of Colombia and to the defense of the former paramilitary chief, who was waiting to be sent to Italy before September 4, ordered by federal judge Richard J. Lion.
This seems to be the epilogue of the failed attempt by the Colombian government to extradite him and stop his shipment to Italy, from where Mancuso – accused of ordering more than 136 massacres that left more than 800 dead – is a citizen, due to the origin of his father.
After committing several formal errors in the process, officials of the Colombian high government decided to resort to diplomatic channels and political pressure to block his deportation to Italy.
(You may be interested: What Salvatore Mancuso confessed about the El Aro massacre)
The official source told EL TIEMPO exclusively that the United States does not have to explain the reasons for its decision, which was reported to immigration authorities on Saturday afternoon so that Mancuso may be informed in the next few hours.
Philip Goldberg, the United States ambassador to Colombia, is already aware of the measure. In addition, he played a key role.
Mauricio Moreno / TIME
You can stay in the US.
The decision is also administrative and, according to the Immigration and Nationalization Law, you have 14 days to appeal it.
In addition, they left him open the possibility of requesting that his expulsion be stopped and that he remain in the United States, in light of the Law against Torture and Cruel treatment.
Through this route, narco-paramilitaries such as Juan Carlos ‘el Tuso’ Sierra and Carlos Mario Aguilar, alias ‘Rogelio’, live in Miami and Boca Ratón.
(Also: This is the judge’s order for Mancuso’s deportation to Italy)
The rule applies if Mancuso – as he has already pointed out – fears persecution in any country on account of his race, political opinion or being a victim of torture or any risk to his life.
In fact, the possibility is opened so that his family can request to be sent to that country, through special visas.
Juan Carlos the ‘Tuso’ Sierra.
To take advantage of this rule, a period of 14 days is established, from the notification, within which time Mancuso’s defense will be able to make use of the measure.
EL TIEMPO tried to communicate with Mancuso’s defense both in Colombia and in the United States, but they have not responded to messages.
(See here all the articles of the Investigative Unit of EL TIEMPO).
However, the American diplomatic source stated that the United States embassy in Bogotá was already aware and had played a key role in this decision.
Uncle Sam’s lifeguard?
Sources close to Mancuso told EL TIEMPO early Sunday that he most likely would decide to stay in the United States due to the danger his life is facing in Colombia, he said.
And they reiterated that Mancuso is willing to continue collaborating with justice. This would translate, in any case, into a defeat for Colombia, which aspired to extradite him.
However, judicial collaboration agreements with the United States, in the case of Mancuso, have worked.
In this regard, EL TIEMPO established that the Government has just completed a consolidated statement that indicates that Mancuso has been summoned to 263 hearings of free version to tell the truth.
Of these, 188 have been fulfilled thanks to judicial cooperation with the United States government, which requested him in extradition in 2008 and sentenced him to 12 years in prison for drug trafficking.
However, 75 versions were canceled for reasons ranging from logistical and cooperation problems to requests for postponement by Mancuso’s defense.
INVESTIGATIVE UNIT
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