Amid the resurgence of the #MeToo movement in Colombia—recently fueled by allegations of sexual harassment against well-known Caracol Televisión journalists and presenters Ricardo Orrego and Jorge Alfredo Vargas, whose contracts were terminated following the controversy — the public spotlight is beginning to shift beyond the media sector.
The focus is now expanding to other spheres of power, including politics, where questions have also emerged about potential gender-based violence. In this new context, high-level government figures are increasingly coming under scrutiny, highlighting that these allegations are not confined to a single industry but instead reflect a structural issue that cuts across multiple sectors of Colombian society.
Within this landscape, Interior Minister Armando Benedetti has once again moved to the center of public debate, this time due to a formal investigation opened against him for alleged violence against women in politics.
A process that tests the CNE and institutional response
On March 24, 2026, Colombia’s National Electoral Council (CNE) formally agreed to take up the complaint filed by Congresswoman Lina María Garrido against Benedetti, under case number CNE-E-DG-2026-008436. This decision indicates that the electoral authority found sufficient grounds to begin a formal review of the allegations.
The case originated from a complaint Garrido submitted to the Congressional Legal Commission for Women’s Equity, which was later forwarded to CNE President Cristian Ricardo Quiroz Romero for evaluation. From there, an administrative proceeding was launched, marking a new chapter in the controversy surrounding the minister.
As part of the process, the CNE requested that Garrido expand on her complaint within three days, providing a detailed account of the time, manner, and circumstances of the alleged accusations. Benedetti was also asked to submit a voluntary statement and present any evidence he considers relevant to his defense.
Although this is an early procedural stage, the implications are significant. In Colombia, gender-based political violence has only recently begun to receive formal recognition, and enforcement mechanisms remain uneven. For that reason, Benedetti’s case is seen as a test of the institutions’ ability to effectively investigate and address such allegations.
Depending on how the process unfolds, it could lead to administrative sanctions, referrals to other oversight bodies, or political consequences that may affect Benedetti’s position in office.
The Adelina Covo complaint and a history under scrutiny
It is important to highlight that gender-based violence has been part of Benedetti’s track record, this is not the first time a woman has accused him of such conduct, a reason why the current investigation cannot be viewed in isolation. It intersects with prior allegations that have shaped Benedetti’s public trajectory, most notably the complaint filed in July 2024 by his then-wife, Adelina Covo Guerrero, before authorities in Madrid.
According to reports at the time, the complaint included allegations of both physical and psychological abuse, prompting Spanish judicial authorities to take jurisdiction over the case. This international dimension elevated the level of political and media attention surrounding the situation.
Accounts that emerged pointed to episodes of intense conflict within the private sphere, occurring during a separation process that ultimately ended in divorce. However, beyond the personal context, what raised broader concern was the seriousness of the accusations and the fact that they came from someone close to the minister. Benedetti denied the allegations and maintained his innocence, stating that the situation stemmed from marital disputes. Still, the case left lingering questions that continue to resurface in public debate, particularly as new accusations related to gender-based violence emerge.
In addition to this episode, other allegations have surfaced over the course of his political career. While not all have resulted in formal legal proceedings, they have been cited by critics and advocacy groups as part of a pattern of behavior that warrants closer institutional scrutiny. The weight of these antecedents lies in how they shape public perception. In #MeToo contexts, where cumulative accusations often play a critical role, a public figure’s prior record can significantly influence how new claims are interpreted.
Congresswoman Lina Garrido escalates institutional pressure for action
Congresswoman Lina María Garrido has taken a leading role in this case, not only as the complainant but also as a driving force behind efforts to ensure tangible consequences for Benedetti.
Through her X (formerly Twitter) account, Garrido shared a message that has circulated widely: “Regarding the cases of assault and harassment, I want to share with you that @CNE_COLOMBIA has opened proceedings against Minister @AABenedetti following my complaint for gender-based political violence before the @ComisionMujerCo. His history as a women’s aggressor is well-known. I also filed a complaint against him with the @PGN_COL for his brazen involvement in politics. I trust that the actions initiated in the #CNE will encourage the other oversight bodies to act and suspend this individual.” The message underscores Garrido’s broader strategy: to move beyond the CNE process and trigger a coordinated response from multiple oversight institutions. She has also filed a complaint with Colombia’s Office of the Inspector General, seeking disciplinary action.
In her formal complaint, Garrido requested that the alleged acts be officially recognized as gender-based political violence, that institutional protection mechanisms be activated, and that corrective measures and reparations be ordered. These demands reflect a comprehensive approach that goes beyond punishment, aiming to ensure prevention and guarantees of non-repetition.
At the same time, her actions have sparked debate. While some sectors view her efforts as a legitimate exercise of political oversight and a defense of women’s rights, others warn of the risk that gender-based allegations could become entangled in partisan disputes.
Benedetti at the center of a shifting national debate
The resurgence of #MeToo in Colombia has expanded the scope of gender-based violence allegations, pushing them into spaces historically shielded from scrutiny, such as politics. In this context, Benedetti has become a high-profile case illustrating how these conversations are reshaping public accountability.
Gender-based political violence often manifests in less visible ways, including intimidation, delegitimization, or actions aimed at limiting women’s participation in decision-making spaces. As such, the allegations against Benedetti must be understood not only at an individual level but also as part of a broader structural issue. For Colombian institutions, the challenge will be to respond with rigor and transparency, ensuring that investigations are thorough and evidence based. Public pressure—amplified by movements like #MeToo—has raised expectations around accountability and justice.
At the same time, the case highlights the importance of balancing a gender-sensitive approach with respect for due process. The legitimacy of any outcome will depend on the integrity and depth of the investigation. For now, Benedetti remains at the center of a controversy that blends legal, political, and social dimensions. The outcome will not only shape his immediate future but could also set a precedent for how Colombia handles gender-based violence allegations at the highest levels of power.
In a country where these debates are gaining momentum, one message is clear: public scrutiny is intensifying, and the demand for accountability is only growing stronger.