Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe has been found guilty of witness tampering, a verdict that marks a defining moment in the nation’s legal and political history. The 73-year-old, who led Colombia from 2002 to 2010, was convicted on Monday for his efforts to sway testimony in a separate investigation. This ruling carries a severe consequence, with Uribe now facing a potential 12-year prison sentence.
The origins of this high-stakes case trace back to 2012, when Uribe himself initiated legal action. He accused left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda before the Supreme Court of hatching a plot to falsely link him to right-wing paramilitary groups, which were deeply entrenched in Colombia’s decades-long internal conflict. However, the court not only dismissed Uribe’s accusations against Cepeda but also launched its own inquiry into Uribe’s conduct, leading to the charges he now faces.
The gravity of the situation was evident as Uribe, participating virtually, shook his head upon hearing the judge’s pronouncement. This conviction is unprecedented, making Uribe the first former Colombian head of state to be criminally convicted. The case has been intensely politicized, highlighting the deep ideological divides that have long characterized Colombian society and its political discourse.
Throughout the trial, which began in May 2024, prosecutors presented a robust case, supported by the testimony of over 90 witnesses. Crucially, evidence included the account of at least one former paramilitary member who testified that Uribe had contacted him to change his story. Despite Uribe’s consistent defense that he merely sought to ensure witnesses spoke truthfully, the court’s decision indicates a finding of illegal witness tampering.