Petro zanika omejitve potovanja po svetu in zavrača verzije o morebitni izročitvi po sporočilu Interpola

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has formally requested authorization from the Senate to travel abroad for one year following his departure from office, citing constitutional requirements. In a letter addressed to the Senate's leadership, Petro stated that he seeks the body’s approval under Article 173, Number 3 of Colombia’s Constitution and Article 323 of Law 5 of 1992, which mandates prior Senate permission for former presidents to leave the country within a year of leaving office. The request comes amid ongoing discussions about potential restrictions on his international movement due to his inclusion in the U.S. sanctions list known as the Clinton List. In the letter, Petro outlined his intention to travel abroad for personal, social, political, and academic reasons during the year following his term in office. He emphasized compliance with Article 196 of the Colombian Constitution, which allows for such travel permissions. The document concluded with a formal request for the Senate to consider and vote on the proposal in its next session. The Senate has yet to issue an official response to Petro’s request. According to the current president of the Senate, Honorio Henríquez, the discussion will need to be scheduled for consideration. If the majority approves the request, Petro would be free to travel internationally. However, should the request be denied, he might face limitations on his movements within Colombia for the following year. Petro has previously faced challenges related to international travel due to his placement on the Clinton List by the previous U.S. administration. This status has reportedly caused difficulties in purchasing air tickets and managing financial transactions globally. Despite these obstacles, Petro has consistently denied reports suggesting any travel restrictions or impending extradition processes. In a recent statement posted on his X account, Petro refuted claims of any barriers preventing him from traveling abroad after his presidency ends. He dismissed rumors of an imminent extradition process, attributing them to actions taken by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) seeking information through Interpol. Petro emphasized that there were no grounds for such restrictions and denied any involvement in criminal activities or illicit financing of his presidential campaign. Following this, a communication dated August 3, 2026, from the Interpol File Control Commission clarified that no data related to Petro had been recorded in the Interpol Information System by the National Central Bureau in the United States. The commission noted that its responsibilities are limited to data processed within the Interpol system and that national procedures fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of each state’s competent authorities. Additionally, a letter from the firm Amadeus Legal and Financial Solutions informed Petro that the Interpol Commission confirmed the absence of records regarding his name in the Interpol Information System. The letter detailed that the commission reviewed the defense’s request and shared the findings with the Interpol General Secretariat. It also included a request for provisional measures ensuring Petro could present arguments if future registration attempts were made against him in the system. Petro reiterated his stance that allegations concerning travel restrictions or extradition lack foundation. He reaffirmed that he has never been associated with mafia organizations or used illegal funds to finance his political activities. His comments come as he prepares to step down from the presidency on August 7, marking a transition period filled with both domestic and international implications for his future movements.