Colombia’s legal system has reached a defining moment with the conviction of ex-president Álvaro Uribe. Found guilty of witness tampering, Uribe now faces a lengthy prison sentence in a case that began more than a decade ago.
In 2012, Uribe accused Senator Iván Cepeda of plotting to frame him with false paramilitary ties. However, the court deemed the allegations baseless and redirected its attention toward Uribe’s own attempts to influence witnesses.
Prosecutors unveiled a pattern of communication between Uribe and incarcerated ex-paramilitaries, some of whom testified that he tried to persuade them to change their accounts. This testimony became central to the prosecution’s argument.
The landmark decision demonstrates the growing strength of Colombia’s legal institutions. As Uribe prepares for sentencing, the case has already left an indelible mark on the country’s political and judicial framework.