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BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) - Colombia's police chief and the head of police intelligence were forced to retire Monday as the government alleged that police illegally tapped calls of opposition political figures, journalists and members of the government for the past two years.
The scandal multiplied U.S.-ally President Alvaro Uribe's woes on a day judicial authorities also ordered the arrest of 20 politicians and business leaders, including five congressmen, on criminal conspiracy charges for signing a 2001 pact with illegal right-wing militias.
"The procedure is totally unacceptable, illegal and contrary to the policy of the government," a statement by Minister of Defense Juan Manuel Santos.
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