A Colombian court has delivered a landmark verdict, finding former President Álvaro Uribe guilty of witness tampering. The 73-year-old, who held the nation’s highest office from 2002 to 2010, was convicted on Monday for his attempts to influence testimony in a separate investigation. This ruling carries profound implications, as Uribe now faces a potential 12-year prison sentence, marking a significant moment for justice in Colombia.
The origins of this high-stakes legal battle date back to 2012. It was Uribe himself who initiated the proceedings, accusing left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda of orchestrating a plot to falsely connect him to right-wing paramilitary groups, notorious for their involvement in Colombia’s long-standing armed conflict. However, the Supreme Court ultimately dismissed Uribe’s claims against Cepeda and, in a dramatic turn, launched its own inquiry into Uribe’s alleged misconduct.
The gravity of the verdict was evident as Uribe, participating remotely, shook his head upon hearing the judge’s pronouncement. This conviction is unprecedented, making Uribe the first former Colombian head of state to be found guilty of a criminal offense. The case has been intensely politicized, reflecting the deep ideological divides that have long characterized Colombian society and its political discourse.
The trial, which began in May 2024, involved extensive testimony from more than 90 witnesses. Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including the account of at least one former paramilitary member who testified that Uribe had contacted him with the intention of altering his original statement. Despite Uribe’s consistent defense that he merely sought to ensure witnesses spoke truthfully, the court’s decision underscores its finding that his actions constituted illegal witness tampering.