Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe has been convicted of witness tampering, becoming the first former head of state in the country’s history to face criminal sentencing. The ruling, delivered Monday, is a milestone for Colombia’s evolving justice system.
The case stems from Uribe’s 2012 accusations against leftist Senator Iván Cepeda, whom he claimed had orchestrated false allegations about his ties to paramilitary groups. The Supreme Court dismissed the claim and shifted focus to Uribe’s own legal behavior.
The trial revealed that Uribe contacted jailed paramilitaries and allegedly pressured them to revise their testimonies. One former paramilitary confirmed these interactions, giving crucial weight to the prosecution’s case.
With more than 90 witnesses contributing to the proceedings, the court found ample evidence to convict. Uribe, who once held immense influence, now awaits a possible 12-year prison term.
Uribe Guilty: Colombia’s Ex-President Faces Prison Over Witness Tampering
