In the virtual meeting, the representatives of the Public Ministries agreed to issue a joint statement to ask people for respect of the autonomous and independent work carried out by these institutions. 

The Attorney General, Francisco Barbosa Delgado, participated in the General Assembly of the Ibero-American Association of Public Ministries (Asociación Iberoamericana de Ministerios Públicos AIAMP), held in a virtual scenario in Santiago de Chile. 

During the meeting, the approval of a proposal related to the coordination of capacities of these entities to jointly combat environmental crimes that affect the region and  to attack the illicit assets of transnational criminal groups, presented by the Colombian Attorney General’s Office, was reaffirmed. 

In that sense, the representatives of the Public Ministries and Prosecutors of Ibero-America agreed to create an Environmental Network and a Group to address Assets Seizure issues. 

Originally, the protection of natural resources and ecosystems will focus on the following pillars: dismantling criminal organizations who profit from environmental crimes and illegal mining, protecting fauna and domestic animals, combating deforestation and the cutting down trees, directing investigations against the networks that divert mercury, cyanide and other toxic substances; crimes against genetic heritage, environmental management, and non-renewable resources. 

On the other hand, a financial investigation protocol will be established to prosecute money laundering, illicit gain, and other illegal actions that show an increase of illegal incomes. 

“This aspect is very important to be able to prosecute criminality. If crime is organized, the criminal investigation must be coordinated and organized. That is a task that all of we must assume”, stated the Attorney General. 

 

Strengthened Public Ministries and Prosecutor’s Offices  

During his presentation, the Attorney General, Francisco Barbosa Delgado, encouraged his counterparts of Ibero-America to work together and achieve the strengthening of institutions after the Covid-19 pandemic. He pointed out that the difficulties presented by the global health emergency have turned into opportunities to transform and innovate. That  is the case in Colombia with the ‘digital file’ project and the ‘cero papel’ policy, which will help to expedite  legal processes and also help environment. 

Likewise, the Attorney General revealed that, in times of the pandemic, the institution was present in about 500,000 judicial hearings in a virtual scenario and achieved a clarification of 60% about homicides of social leaders. He reiterated that the institution has continued with its investigative dynamics, thanks to the commitment of the public servants. 

The participants in the General Assembly of the Ibero-American Association expressed their concern about the continuous attacks and pressures they have in their respective countries, due to the autonomous and independent work they perform. The Attorney General sent a message of solidarity to the affected institutions and asked people for respect for the institution´s work that benefit justice and citizens. 

At the end of the virtual meeting, the Office of the Attorney General in Colombia proposed Colombia as the venue for the next general assembly to be held in 2021. 

The Office of the Attorney General makes this information public for reasons of general interest.