Colombia’s former president, Álvaro Uribe, has been convicted of witness tampering and procedural fraud in a high-profile court ruling.
This marks the first time a former head of state in Colombia has been found guilty of a criminal offence.
The verdict was delivered on Monday after more than ten hours in court. Judge Sandra Heredia confirmed that the prosecution had presented enough evidence to establish Uribe’s involvement in the crimes.
A sentencing date has yet to be announced, but he could face up to eight years in prison, possibly under house arrest due to his age. One bribery charge was dropped, while two charges led to the conviction.
Uribe’s legal team plans to appeal. The appeal court must reach a decision by mid-October before the case risks being dismissed due to time limits.
Uribe, 73, did not attend the court in person and followed the proceedings online.
The case originated from legal action that Uribe filed over a decade ago against left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda, who had been investigating the former president’s alleged connections to paramilitary groups.
However, the situation shifted in 2018 when Uribe himself was accused of trying to pressure ex-paramilitary members into giving favorable statements to defend him.
The process faced years of delays, with charges officially brought in 2024. The case has become one of Colombia’s most watched political tri
Uribe, who was in office from 2002 to 2010, remains a controversial figure in the country.
He was seen by some as a firm leader during years of armed conflict, while others questioned his alleged links to illegal armed groups and criticized his human rights record.
Colombia’s internal conflict, involving government forces, guerrillas, and right-wing paramilitaries, has left around 220,000 people dead and millions displaced.