Álvaro Uribe, Colombia’s former president, has been found guilty of witness tampering, a verdict that could lead to a 12-year prison sentence. The 73-year-old, who served as the nation’s leader from 2002 to 2010, was convicted on Monday for his attempts to sway testimony in an investigation linked to his alleged ties with paramilitary groups. This marks an unprecedented legal outcome for a former Colombian head of state.
The genesis of this complex legal saga dates back to 2012. It was Uribe himself who initiated the legal action, accusing left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda of orchestrating a plot to falsely connect him to right-wing paramilitary organizations. These groups were deeply embroiled in Colombia’s decades-long armed conflict. However, the Supreme Court ultimately dismissed Uribe’s allegations against Cepeda and, instead, launched its own inquiry into Uribe’s conduct.
The moment the judge began reading the verdict, Uribe, who attended the trial virtually, was observed shaking his head in apparent disbelief. This conviction is a monumental event in Colombian history, as Uribe is now the first former president to be criminally found guilty. The case has been a focal point of intense political debate, reflecting deep divisions within the country.
Over 90 witnesses testified during the trial, which commenced in May 2024. Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including the testimony of a former paramilitary ex-fighter who claimed Uribe had contacted him to change his story. Despite Uribe’s consistent assertion that he merely sought to convince witnesses to tell the truth, the court concluded that his actions constituted illegal witness tampering, leading to this significant conviction.
Ex-President Uribe Guilty: 12-Year Sentence Looms for Witness Tampering
