Colombian Judge Suspended for Inappropriate Conduct During Zoom Court Hearing

A Colombian judge, Vivian Polania, has been suspended for three months after appearing inappropriately dressed and smoking during a virtual court hearing. The incident has sparked widespread attention and highlighted issues of professional conduct in virtual settings.

On November 16, 2021, during a Zoom court hearing, Judge Vivian Polania, 34, was seen lying in bed wearing what appeared to be underwear and smoking a cigarette. The hearing was related to a car bombing targeting an army brigade in the city of Cúcuta in June 2021. This unexpected appearance and behavior were quickly noticed and led to a viral video that prompted an investigation by the Judicial Disciplinary Commission in Norte de Santander.

The Judicial Disciplinary Commission’s ruling on Tuesday stated that Judge Polania violated multiple administrative regulations. The panel’s 16-page decision described her appearance as “disheveled with sleepy eyes” and noted that she was slurring her words. Polania had kept her camera off for nearly an hour before turning it on, revealing her inappropriate state. An attorney present at the hearing alerted Polania to her active camera, prompting her to quickly turn it off.

The Commission determined that Polania’s conduct was not consistent with the decorum expected of a judge. They ruled that she failed to respect the parties involved in the hearing and did not comply with the judicial dress code. The Commission’s statement emphasized that her behavior demonstrated a “clear lack of respect from the official,” leading to her suspension without pay through February.

Judge Polania is no stranger to controversy. She has previously been investigated for sharing provocative photos of herself on social media, including images in lingerie and BDSM-style outfits. Polania, a tattooed CrossFit enthusiast, has more than 30,000 followers on her now-deactivated Instagram account. She has claimed that her colleagues have bullied her because of her appearance and the way she dresses.

In a conversation with Blu Radio following the incident, Polania denied being half-naked during the hearing. She explained that she had to lie down due to an anxiety attack and low blood pressure, attributing her condition to being overworked. Polania also claimed that her mental health struggles have been exacerbated by bullying from fellow judges in Cúcuta, who have threatened her with disciplinary actions over her attire.

In defending her conduct, Polania spoke to the Colombian outlet Semana, sharing that when she first arrived in Cúcuta, she could not tolerate wearing pants due to the heat and opted for shorts and T-shirts instead. She stated that these choices made some people uncomfortable. As she became more involved in CrossFit, which significantly changed her body shape, she transitioned to wearing “long, elegant” dresses at work, but these too were criticized for being too revealing. She was urged to cover up with a judicial robe.

Despite the criticisms and controversies, Polania has remained defiant. She expressed her frustration with trying to please others at the expense of her peace of mind. “I got tired of pleasing people over my peace of mind,” she said, vowing not to change her personality for others.

The suspension of Judge Vivian Polania raises important questions about professional conduct and the use of virtual platforms for official proceedings. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in remote work and virtual meetings, making it crucial for professionals to maintain appropriate behavior and decorum, even when working from home.

Polania’s case also highlights the challenges and pressures faced by public figures, particularly women, regarding their appearance and personal expression. The balance between personal freedom and professional responsibility is a delicate one, and this incident underscores the need for clear guidelines and support systems to help individuals navigate these challenges.

Judge Vivian Polania’s three-month suspension serves as a reminder of the standards expected in professional settings, regardless of the medium. Her case has sparked discussions about decorum, professional conduct, and the impact of social media presence on public officials. As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how this incident will influence future policies and behaviors in virtual courtrooms and other professional environments.

In the meantime, Judge Polania has made it clear that she intends to remain true to herself, even in the face of controversy and criticism. Her story is a testament to the ongoing struggle between maintaining personal identity and adhering to professional expectations in the modern world.