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Colombian ex-President Álvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest due to charges of witness tampering and fraud. At 73, he becomes the first former leader in the nation's history to incur such a conviction. In addition to his house arrest, Uribe faces a hefty fine of $578,000 (£435,000) and is barred from holding public office.
Uribe, who maintains his innocence, declared his intent to appeal the ruling, asserting that the case against him aims to “destroy a voice for the democratic opposition." Serving as president from 2002 to 2010, he remains a polarizing figure, still enjoying significant support in Colombia, despite allegations suggesting connections with right-wing paramilitaries to dismantle leftist guerrilla factions, which he denies.
The witness tampering case that led to his conviction has lingered for over 13 years. Evidence was provided by two imprisoned former paramilitary members who claimed Uribe's ex-lawyer, Diego Cadena, offered them money for false testimonies in favor of Uribe. While Cadena has faced similar charges, he denied these claims and provided testimony on Uribe’s behalf.
In a reaction that stirred debate, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Uribe's conviction, accusing Colombia's judicial system of being politicized. He claimed the former leader's only fault was his unwavering commitment to defend his country.
Emerging in the 1980s with intentions of combating poverty and marginalization, paramilitary groups in Colombia, including ones linked to Uribe, often clashed with leftist guerrilla movements. The violence surrounding these confrontations has created enduring rivalries over resources and trafficking routes. Uribe received substantial praise from Washington for his tough stance against Farc rebels but drew criticism domestically for not adequately addressing the underlying issues of inequality and poverty in Colombia.
In 2016, a peace deal was established between the Farc and Uribe's successor, yet violence from disbanded groups continues to haunt the country.
Colombian ex-President Álvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest due to charges of witness tampering and fraud. At 73, he becomes the first former leader in the nation's history to incur such a conviction. In addition to his house arrest, Uribe faces a hefty fine of $578,000 (£435,000) and is barred from holding public office.
Uribe, who maintains his innocence, declared his intent to appeal the ruling, asserting that the case against him aims to “destroy a voice for the democratic opposition." Serving as president from 2002 to 2010, he remains a polarizing figure, still enjoying significant support in Colombia, despite allegations suggesting connections with right-wing paramilitaries to dismantle leftist guerrilla factions, which he denies.
The witness tampering case that led to his conviction has lingered for over 13 years. Evidence was provided by two imprisoned former paramilitary members who claimed Uribe's ex-lawyer, Diego Cadena, offered them money for false testimonies in favor of Uribe. While Cadena has faced similar charges, he denied these claims and provided testimony on Uribe’s behalf.
In a reaction that stirred debate, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Uribe's conviction, accusing Colombia's judicial system of being politicized. He claimed the former leader's only fault was his unwavering commitment to defend his country.
Emerging in the 1980s with intentions of combating poverty and marginalization, paramilitary groups in Colombia, including ones linked to Uribe, often clashed with leftist guerrilla movements. The violence surrounding these confrontations has created enduring rivalries over resources and trafficking routes. Uribe received substantial praise from Washington for his tough stance against Farc rebels but drew criticism domestically for not adequately addressing the underlying issues of inequality and poverty in Colombia.
In 2016, a peace deal was established between the Farc and Uribe's successor, yet violence from disbanded groups continues to haunt the country.
