🇨🇴 Colombia’s Ex-President Alvaro Uribe Sentenced to 12 Years House Arrest for Witness Tampering
BOGOTÁ: In a historic ruling, former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest for bribery of a public official and abuse of legal process, according to official court documents and local media reports. The sentence also includes a fine of $578,000.
Judge Sandra Liliana Heredia delivered the verdict earlier this week in a 13-year-long witness tampering case, making Uribe the first ex-president in Colombia’s history to be convicted in a trial.
Despite maintaining his innocence, the 73-year-old political heavyweight now faces the possibility of being sidelined permanently from Colombia’s political arena. The timing of the verdict—just months ahead of the 2026 presidential elections—could significantly impact several of Uribe’s close allies and protégés who are vying for office.
The case has drawn international attention, especially from the United States. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the conviction a "weaponization of Colombia’s judicial system by radical judges," fueling concerns that the verdict might strain Colombia-US diplomatic relations and affect future US aid.
Supporters of Uribe claim the case is politically motivated persecution, while critics say it represents long-awaited justice for a leader often accused of ties with violent paramilitary groups during his presidency—a charge he has consistently denied and had never been convicted for until now.
The final ruling will be formally read out in court later today by Judge Heredia.
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Witness tampering case
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