Proposed Surrender Law in Colombia Could Result in Release of Over 3,600 Criminals, Attorney General Warns

The Attorney General of Colombia, Francisco Barbosa, issued a warning on Friday that the proposed surrender law, backed by the government, could lead to the release of over 3,600 criminals responsible for serious crimes.

Barbosa argued that the bill, as presented in parliament, suggests that aggravated conspiracy to commit a crime would be eligible for a pardon under the principle of opportunity in Colombia.

The proposed law, filed in Congress by the Ministers of Justice and Interior, would offer criminal groups the chance to receive lenient treatment in exchange for surrendering to the law. The President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, had promised to negotiate with all armed groups as part of his “total peace” policy.