Colombia Activates Protection Route for Woman Accusing Former President Petro

The Colombian government activated a protection route on Sunday, October 25, 2026, to safeguard the life and integrity of Deicy Jiménez. The 26-year-old woman accused former President Gustavo Petro of allegedly receiving state contracts in exchange for sexual services.

The measure was confirmed by the Ministry of Justice and Law and the National Protection Unit (UNP) in a joint statement. The activation followed a direct instruction from President Abelardo de la Espriella, led by Justice Minister Iván Cancino González in coordination with the UNP.

“The protection of life does not admit delays.”

Authorities stated that the protection route is an institutional mechanism used by the UNP to evaluate risk levels and define protection measures. Depending on the assessment, these measures may include escort schemes, armored transportation, and communication systems.

The protection decision was described as a direct presidential instruction rather than an ordinary procedure. The government emphasized that the case will be handled with due diligence, confidentiality, and respect for Jiménez's rights and dignity.

La Nación reported that Jiménez's employment records show she had an administrative assistant contract with the Administrative Department of the Presidency (Dapre) published on July 25, 2026. That contract has already ended.

Camilo Enciso, director of the Anticorruption Institute, revealed the labor link after reviewing Jiménez's contracting records in an interview with Blu Radio. He noted that state contracts existed but do not fully prove they were payment for sexual encounters.

Jiménez told Semana magazine that she met Petro in 2019 when he was a senator and later received help obtaining public contracts. She also claimed other women may have participated in similar situations.

Petro responded on social media on October 25, 2026, stating that no corruption or drug trafficking facts could be proven in his existence and referring to an attempt to intrude into his intimate and sexual life.