Colombian Intelligence Agency Under Investigations http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2010/may/02/latinamerica100050203.htm

Signs of irregular activities within the Administrative Department of Security (DAS) continue popping up while the Colombian Government studies variants to create a new intelligence agency.According to reports of the General Attorney's Office DAS created a special group to spy and to commit crimes against personalities of President Uribe opposition.

Regarding these and other charges DAS former deputy director of operations Carlos Arzayuz should be brought to justice facing four formal charges in a process which includes other former officials.An attorney accused Arzayuz of playing an important role in an intelligence plan which was really a criminal enterprise created inside DAS with the agreement of senior officials.According to El Tiempo daily, the Public Ministry reported that DAS chose targets whose common characteristics were government opponents.

Regarding the extent of the problem, presidential candidate for the Liberal Party Rafael Pardo stated he will go to international courts if necessary to clarify domestic political espionage cases in Colombia.Carlos Lozano, head of the Voz journal said that the Colombian society has lost its confidence on DAS after what happened regarding the wiretapping.Lots of social organizations insist on the need that the government formulates clarification on the persecution of leaders. They stress that DAS instead of denying charges must come forward with the truth.Semana magazine disclosed in early 2009 the issue about the illegal political investigations against judges, politicians, journalists and human rights activists with alleged ties with the guerrillas.