Colombia's Corruption Scandal: Arrests of Senate and House Leaders

Colombia's Supreme Court has issued arrest orders for Ivan Name and Andres Calle, former legislative leaders, over corruption charges. They're accused of receiving $1 million to approve key legislation. Both deny charges, yet Name is already detained. Their vacated seats will remain unfilled during the legal proceedings.

In a significant development, Colombia's Supreme Court issued arrest orders against two of the nation's top former legislative leaders amid corruption allegations. Ivan Name, former Senate president, and Andres Calle, former House president, are accused of accepting bribes to facilitate important legislative measures under the administration of President Gustavo Petro.

The allegations suggest that Name, affiliated with the Alianza Verde party, and Calle of the Liberal party, received 4 billion pesos, equivalent to approximately $1 million. The charges were brought forth by former officials from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), who are already detained as part of the sweeping investigation.

Both Name and Calle have publicly denied any wrongdoing. However, Name has been taken into custody. Authorities announced that their congressional seats will remain vacant as the legal proceedings make their way through the courts, a move that underscores the gravity of the charges they face.

(With inputs from agencies.)