Informes relativos a la prisión del presbítero Fernano a Mejia

Abstract

This image contains news about the study of the matter that led to the arrest of the priest Dr. Fernando Mejía. All documents relating to this event have been carefully examined and, regrettably, I must inform you that my opinions differ from those of my learned colleague. Therefore, I present this report separately from the one he will submit for your consideration. In number 103 of the newspaper titled "El Liberal", the Catholic Church was denounced as responsible for a crime of fraud for having committed Dr. Juan Iregui to celebrate an agreement with the most illustrious archbishop of this archdiocese. According to this agreement, Mr. Iregui undertook, through a document issued for this purpose, to recognize in favor of a certain religious entity the sum of $1000 as compensation for the damages that said entity suffered in the confiscation and auction of a house that the Dr. Iregui bought from a third party. The state attorney, by virtue of the publication, sent a notification to the fiscal agent, who in turn transmitted the note to the police inspector of this district, urging him to investigate the case without delay. The aforementioned number of "El Liberal" and the note from the fiscal agent constitute the basis of the process. The official in charge of the investigation took statements on the matter from six people, whose depositions indicate, with more or less precision, that the reported event occurred and that Dr. Mejía is the main person responsible. Subsequently, the investigative statement was received from Dr. Mejía, who confessed that he refused to provide spiritual aid to the dying Dr. Iregui until he made an agreement with the bishop. This arrangement was made and then he provided the sick man with the services of his ministry, adding that he had orders from the archbishop not to confess people with disentailed assets if they did not previously make agreements with the Ecclesiastical Board, similar to the one required of Dr. Iregui. With this background and according to the provisions of articles 1369 and 1370 of the Judicial Code, Dr. Mejía was arrested and his arrest lasted four days, ceasing after providing the bail permitted by law. News published in the Cundinamarca newspaper, No. 276, October 18, 1870.