Post by : Rameen Ariff

Bogotá, Colombia — Colombian President Gustavo Petro is facing unprecedented challenges accessing his salary after being targeted by US sanctions, his lawyer confirmed Thursday. The sanctions, issued by President Donald Trump, have also affected Petro’s wife, one of his sons, and his interior minister, placing them all on the US Treasury’s blacklist.

The White House alleges that Petro failed to adequately combat drug trafficking. As a result, their assets in the United States have been frozen, and they are barred from conducting business with US-linked companies. According to Petro’s lawyer, Daniel Kovalik, the sanctions have also frozen credit cards and bank accounts, making even routine payments as public officials difficult.

“The president and his family have had their access to financial resources completely restricted,” Kovalik said. He added that a US-affiliated fuel company even refused to refuel the presidential plane in Spain, further complicating Petro’s official duties.

Petro’s lawyer indicated that the sanctions could potentially be challenged through negotiations, diplomacy, or legal action in US courts and before the Treasury Department. “It will be a very long and protracted process,” Kovalik explained.

Kovalik defended Petro, asserting his innocence and highlighting his decades-long fight against drug cartels in Colombia. “The truth is what will set us free,” he said. Kovalik also criticized the sanctions as a political message, suggesting they are intended to pressure leaders who oppose US foreign policy goals.

The sanctions send a warning to any company or government considering working with Petro, potentially expanding the impact beyond the Colombian president and his family.

This situation marks a significant diplomatic and political challenge for President Petro as he navigates the consequences of US sanctions while continuing to lead Colombia.

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