Colombian former president Álvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest after being found guilty of witness tampering and fraud, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first former leader in the country to be convicted of a crime. The 73-year-old was also fined $578,000 (£435,000) and barred from holding public office in the wake of his conviction, which he described as an effort to "destroy a voice for the democratic opposition."
Uribe, who served as president from 2002 to 2010, has maintained that he is innocent and plans to appeal the ruling. The case against him has been ongoing for about 13 years and gained significant traction following testimonies from two ex-paramilitaries, who alleged that Uribe's former attorney, Diego Cadena, offered them monetary incentives to provide favorable testimonies for Uribe. Cadena, who faces separate charges, has denied these accusations and testified in favor of Uribe.
The trial has drawn international attention, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the conviction, asserting that Colombia's judiciary is being weaponized against political figures. Rubio characterized Uribe's actions as a tireless defense of his country.
Uribe's presidency, which was marked by a hardline stance against leftist guerrilla groups, garnered acclaim from U.S. leaders but also drew criticism for failing to address deep-seated social inequalities and poverty. Although a peace deal with the Farc guerrilla group was signed by his successor in 2016, violence from disarmed factions continues to challenge Colombia’s stability.
As reactions unfold, the implications of this landmark verdict resonate throughout Colombia, revealing the ongoing tensions surrounding Uribe’s divisive legacy.
