Colombian President Petro Orders Declassification of Controversial Surveillance Files

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered the declassification of surveillance files from the now-defunct Administrative Department of Security, revealing illegal spying on journalists and human rights defenders.

• On October 17, 2023, President Gustavo Petro signed a decree to declassify documents from the Administrative Department of Security, which had engaged in illicit surveillance activities.
• The declassification targets files related to the illegal monitoring of journalists, judges, and human rights advocates, highlighting past abuses within Colombias security apparatus.
• This move is part of President Gustavo Petros broader agenda to promote transparency and accountability in government operations, particularly regarding human rights violations.