Judge annuls charges against Daniel Quintero in Aguas Vivas case

In a significant legal development, a judge in Medellín annulled the formal charges against former mayor Daniel Quintero and several others in the "Aguas Vivas" case Source: La Silla Vacía, El Tiempo. The judge ruled that the prosecution failed to adequately explain how the alleged conduct constituted a crime, violating due process Source: El Tiempo.

The ruling

The judge nullified the charges for peculado and prevaricato, citing deficiencies in the prosecution's argument. The ruling applies to Quintero, nine former officials, and three private individuals Source: La Silla Vacía. The court emphasized that the fiscalía did not meet the requirement of a clear and succinct statement of facts Source: El Tiempo.

Case background

The case revolves around a large lot in El Poblado, intended to become an ecopark, whose value skyrocketed after alleged changes to the land-use plan (POT) Source: La Silla Vacía. The fiscalía argued Quintero's administration modified the POT to benefit private owners, while the defense called it administrative adjustments Source: La Silla Vacía.

Reactions

Quintero celebrated the decision, claiming political persecution by current mayor Federico Gutiérrez and the fiscalía Source: Infobae. He called for investigations into Gutiérrez and the Medellín fiscalía Source: Infobae. Both the fiscalía and Medellín's mayor announced they will appeal .