Justice has weighed heavily on former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe, who has been found guilty of witness tampering. The 73-year-old, who served as president from 2002 to 2010, was convicted on Monday for attempting to persuade witnesses to lie for him in a separate investigation. This verdict carries significant consequences, as Uribe now faces a potential 12-year prison sentence.
The complex legal journey began in 2012, when Uribe accused left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda before the Supreme Court. Uribe alleged that Cepeda was involved in a conspiracy to falsely link him to right-wing paramilitary groups, which were central to Colombia’s protracted armed conflict. In a pivotal turn, the court decided against prosecuting Cepeda and instead initiated its own claims against Uribe, shifting the focus of the investigation entirely.
As the judge began reading her verdict, Uribe, who attended the trial virtually, was seen shaking his head, a visible reaction to the gravity of the pronouncement. This conviction is truly historic, making Uribe the first former head of state in Colombia’s history to be found guilty of a criminal offense. The case has been highly politicized, reflecting the deep ideological fault lines within the nation.
The trial, which commenced in May 2024, involved extensive testimony from more than 90 witnesses. Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including the account of at least one paramilitary ex-fighter who stated he was contacted by Uribe with the intention of altering his original testimony. While Uribe has consistently maintained that he only wanted to convince witnesses to tell the truth, the court’s decision indicates a different interpretation of his actions.
