Colombian Drug Lord Carlos Lehder Released from Prison
8
World
March 31, 2025 23:00
colombia - Carlos Lehder, co-founder of the Medellín Cartel, released from prison in Colombia after outdated sentence. Victims seek justice. Read more on Telegraaf.nl.
Carlos Lehder Released from Prison
Carlos Lehder, notorious drug lord and Medellín Cartel co-founder, was released from prison in Colombia due to an expired sentence. Lehder, now 75, was involved in large-scale cocaine trafficking to the US and Europe via the Netherlands in the 1980s.
Background:
- Lehder was arrested at Bogotá airport after almost 40 years.
- He spent 33 years in a US prison before fleeing to Germany in 2020.
Health Concerns:
Lehder's lawyer, Sondra Macollins, mentioned his health issues, including chronic conditions and anxiety attacks caused by his long imprisonment in the US.
Legal Situation:
- In 2019, a 24-year sentence was enforced, but Colombia did not request his extradition from Germany.
- Lehder was released on grounds of the 1995 conviction for illegal possession of weapons and drugs being expired.
Victims' Reaction:
Victims, like Ricardo Medina, son of a murdered judge linked to Lehder, express disappointment over his release and seek justice for their loved ones.