Former Colombia spy chief remains in Panama following asylum appeal

Former Colombia spy chief remains in Panama following asylum appeal
Jun 25, 2014 posted by Emily Dugdale

The former head of Colombia’s now-defunct intelligence agency has been temporarily re-granted asylum in Panama following an appeal to clarify the conditions for her deportation back to Colombia, national media reported on Tuesday.

Panama’s Attorney General has put forth an appeal asking to further clarify the Supreme Court’s decision to deport Maria del Pilar Hurtado, former director of Colombia’s now-defunct intelligence agency DAS, thus extending the duration of her asylum.

According to procedure, until the appeal is resolved, Hurtado can continue to reside in the country under the initial ruling that allowed her asylum, according to Colombia’s La Semana news magazine.

Colombia’s former spy chief was granted asylum in Panama under the government of President Ricardo Martinelli in 2010; however, last Thursday she was notified that her asylum was terminated after the Supreme Court ruled the original verdict granting the asylum unconstitutional.

The new ruling stated that she would be illegally residing in the country after three working days, meaning that her asylum should have ended on Tuesday at 5PM had it not been for the appeal by Panama’s Attorney General.

More:
http://colombiareports.co/hurtado-remain-panama-appeal-issued-asylum-ending-ruling/