Petro Denies Sexual Contract Network Amidst Protection for Accuser

The Colombian government has activated a protection route for Deicy Jiménez, the woman who accused former President Gustavo Petro of exchanging state contracts for sexual favors, while Petro vehemently denied the allegations. The controversy erupted after an interview with Semana magazine, where Jiménez claimed to be part of a network of women who received public contracts in exchange for intimacy and other services during Petro’s tenure.

The Allegations and Evidence

Jiménez stated she was contacted by Petro when he was a senator and later received at least ten contracts with entities such as the Senate, the Ministry of Interior, and the Superintendence of Surveillance between 2021 and 2026. These contracts reportedly totaled over $100 million pesos. She also alleged that Petro requested her to procure cocaine. While public records confirm the existence of these contracts, some outlets note that digital evidence provided, such as Facebook chat screenshots, does not directly link Petro to the accounts used.

Petro’s Response

Gustavo Petro rejected the claims as a coordinated political conspiracy aimed at invading his private life after opponents failed to prove corruption or drug trafficking links. "I would vomit on myself if I ever did something like that," Petro wrote, asserting that he never traded contracts for sex and that his social programs were distinct from such abuses. He characterized the accusations as an attempt to discredit him following the end of his administration.

Institutional Reaction

Current President Abelardo De la Espriella ordered the Ministry of Justice to protect Jiménez, citing the need to prevent retaliation for her testimony. Meanwhile, the Ombudsman, Iris Marín, urged judicial authorities to prioritize the investigation due to the gravity of the accusations. The case is now under review by the Supreme Court, the Chamber’s Accusations Commission, and the Procuratorate General.