The Verdict is In: Uribe Guilty of Witness Tampering in Colombia

A Colombian court has delivered its verdict: former President Álvaro Uribe has been found guilty of witness tampering. The 73-year-old, who was president from 2002 to 2010, was convicted on Monday for attempting to persuade witnesses to lie for him in a separate investigation. This ruling carries significant weight, as Uribe now faces a potential 12-year prison sentence.
The case, which has been a major point of contention in Colombian politics, dates back to 2012. It originated 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 involved in Colombia’s long-standing conflict. In a pivotal 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, 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.