COLOMBIA’S Minister of Justice, Alfonso Gómez Méndez suggested on Thursday, July 17, that Panama should detain former Security Director Marí­a del Pilar Hurtado to await extradition.

He said Hurtado should face justice in Colombia for her alleged role in the illegal surveillance of journalists, political figures and judges, while she was head of security.

In statements to Blu Radio, Minister Gómez Méndez referred to the decision of Interpol not to issue a warrant for Hurtado and its impact on Colombia's extradition request.

The decision, the minister said, "does not affect extradition because this is requested of a country where the person is living, and that country can take her into custody."

Colombia requested the issuance of an arrest warrant by Interpol to prevent Hurtado from leaving the country. Panama’s Supreme Court has ruled that the asylum granted to the former spy chief by the Ricardo Martinelli administration, was unconstitutional.Colombia asks Panama to detain former spy boss