Colombian Government Undermines Judicial Independence with Controversial Decree

In a move that alarms defenders of democracy and rule of law, Colombia’s government has enacted a decree stripping the Supreme Administrative Court—the nation’s highest authority on administrative disputes—of its exclusive power to hear tutela actions (legal protections) against the president. Instead, these crucial cases will now be handled by lower circuit judges.Why Does This Threaten Judicial Checks on Executive Power?This change, signed by Justice Minister Eduardo Montealegre amid ongoing tensions between the executive branch and Colombia’s high courts, represents a fundamental shift in how accountability is maintained. By transferring key constitutional oversight from a specialized, experienced court to routine...