Rep. Maria Salazar has sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the denial of diplomatic credentials for Coronel Carlos Alberto Feria Buitrago. The congresswoman argues that Feria’s appointment is an attempt to shield him from legal consequences in Colombia.
“President Petro is making a mockery of the generally distinguished diplomatic corps that works in Washington DC — we should not play a part to this farce,” said Rep. Salazar. “In this case, Coronel Feria is only being sent here to prevent him from having to stand trial and potentially reveal information damaging to President Petro and other members of his administration.”
The controversy surrounding Coronel Feria stems from his involvement in a corruption scandal that began in January 2023. Laura Sarabia, then Chief-of-Staff and now Foreign Minister, reported the loss of a duffel bag containing up to $30,000. In response, President Petro’s security team led by Coronel Feria detained Marelbys Meza, Ms. Sarabia’s son’s nanny, for unauthorized questioning using a polygraph test and held her against her will for nearly 48 hours.
Coronel Feria was indicted by Colombian prosecutors in March 2024 on charges including abuse of public office and false imprisonment. Other officials involved have faced severe penalties.
Rep. Salazar insists that Coronel Feria should not be permitted to work at the Colombian embassy in Washington, D.C., but instead should return to Colombia to face justice.
The full letter can be accessed for more details.
