Colombian Ex-President Petro Faces Court Probe
A former contractor alleges she received government contracts in exchange for sexual favors during Petro's tenure.
By Harvey Wilson ·
The Supreme Court of Colombia has opened an investigation into former President Gustavo Petro regarding allegations of sexual quid pro quo arrangements for government contracts.
Supreme Court President Mauricio Lenis confirmed the probe on Saturday, stating that the case involves claims made against Petro during his time in Congress and his presidency from 2022 to August 2026. Lenis told local media that investigators will determine which alleged acts carry criminal implications and identify those responsible. The court is conducting the review in a confidential manner alongside prosecutors.
The case originated when a woman filed a complaint with the prosecutor's office. She alleged that she and approximately 30 other individuals received government contracts in exchange for maintaining sexual relationships with Petro. The ex-president denies the accusations. In a recent social media post, Petro said he would answer the corruption charges in court and stated he never used a government contract to obtain favors from anyone.
The allegations gained public attention after Deicy Jimenez, a former government contractor, shared a video online. The footage shows Jimenez and Petro embracing and kissing passionately, which appears to follow a sexual encounter. The clip spread rapidly across social platforms.
Petro served as a congressman for five legislative terms between 1991 and 2022 before winning the presidency. He currently leads the opposition to current President Abelardo de la Espriella. His daughters, Antonella Petro and Sofia Petro, issued a statement on Sunday urging the public to avoid causing further harm to the woman who filed the complaint. The family said they trust their father will appear before the courts without delay.
Petro's treatment of women has drawn scrutiny in the past. He once referred to a group of journalists as mafia dolls. Support for the ex-president has also grown online, with viral memes pairing his photos with slogans such as let us practice the politics of love and the right does not have sex.
The investigation remains active as the court and prosecutors review the evidence. Lenis indicated that the next step is to define the legal scope of the alleged conduct. No specific timeline for the completion of the investigation was provided.
