The Colombian ombudsman, Iris Marín, requested the resignation of Diego Cancino, the new director of the Special Assets Society (SAE), after a sexual harassment complaint against him emerged. The complainant, Viviana Vargas, accused Cancino of touching her and attempting aggression when she approached him seeking employment and was invited to lunch at his home. Cancino allegedly hugged and touched Vargas's breasts without her consent and tried to kiss her, despite her refusals.
Young Vargas reported that Cancino repeatedly contacted her after the incident, to which she responded by explaining her discomfort with his behavior and making it clear that she was only seeking a professional relationship. Colombian President Gustavo Petro appointed Cancino as head of the SAE this week, following his previous role as second in command at the Ministry of Interior.
Iris Marín highlighted the seriousness of the situation by considering Cancino's conduct "unacceptable" and demanding his resignation, a call echoed by Interior Minister Juan Fernando Cristo, who condemned any form of gender violence and abuse of power, asserting that such behavior should not be tolerated in institutions. For his part, President Petro also urged the "immediate" resignation of the president of the National Electoral Council, César Lorduy, following a sexual harassment allegation made by congresswoman Ingrid Aguirre.
In the complaint, Aguirre claims that Lorduy demanded a sum of money in exchange for facilitating the legal personality of her party, Fuerza Ciudadana, in a previous election. Subsequently, Lorduy allegedly made sexual innuendos to the congresswoman, suggesting that she could pay in another way if she did not provide the requested money. The Prosecutor's Office has evidence to advance the investigation of both sexual harassment cases.
