Uribe's lawyers claim their client has immunity in Drummond case

[Judi Lynn]

Uribe's lawyers claim their client has immunity in Drummond case
Friday, 22 April 2011 10:44
Edward Fox

~snip~
On March 31, the U.S. State Department, through the issuance of a Statement of Interest (SOI), urged the federal judge handling the case against Drummond in Birmingham, Alabama, to move cautiously and explore every other legal avenue for obtaining testimony before demanding Uribe undergo questioning.

This, say Uribe's lawyers, "solves" any doubts over the status of Uribe's immunity from being forced to testify, despite the U.S. government stopping short of explicitly saying he has it, reported El Tiempo Thursday.

The group argued furthermore that the court must prove that any possible illegal acts carried out by Uribe while president were not committed under the umbrella of "official duties," a guise that helps instill the premise of immunity. So far, they say, the court has been unable to prove this, thus putting significant flaws in their request.

The team of lawyers, led by former White House counsel Gregory Craig, added that the State Department's request to the judge extends to Uribe's functions as a government official prior to his presidency from 2002 when he served as a governor and senator.

More:
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/15791-uribes-lawyers-claim-their-client-has-immunity-in-drummond-case.html