Colombia’s Ex-President Uribe Convicted: The End of an Era?

A Colombian court has found former President Álvaro Uribe guilty of witness tampering, a verdict that could signal the end of an era for one of the nation’s most dominant political figures. The 73-year-old, who served as president from 2002 to 2010, was convicted on Monday for attempting to influence testimonies in a separate investigation. He now faces a potential 12-year prison sentence, a stunning development for a man who once held immense power.
The case, which has been highly politicized and closely watched, dates back to 2012. It began when Uribe accused the left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda before the Supreme Court of orchestrating a plot to falsely link him to right-wing paramilitary groups, deeply involved in Colombia’s long-standing conflict. In a significant turn, the court decided against prosecuting Cepeda and instead pursued 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 in apparent disbelief. This conviction is monumental, as Uribe is now the first former head of state in Colombia’s history to be criminally convicted. This ruling sends a powerful message about accountability, even for those at the highest echelons of power.
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, leading to this historic conviction.