29 Jul 2025, 01:12
Conviction of former Colombian President Uribe for witness tampering
- Alvaro Uribe became the first former Colombian president to be convicted for witness tampering.
- Judge Sandra Herrería issued a ruling, stating that there was sufficient evidence against him.
- The process lasted 67 days and provoked a significant public resonance.
Bogotá (AP) — Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Vélez has been found guilty in a case of witness tampering. This is the first case in the history of the country where a former president receives a criminal conviction.
The ruling was issued by Judge Sandra Herrería in the 44th criminal court of Bogotá, which determined that there is sufficient evidence for Uribe's conviction. The court also read the ruling.
Uribe, who served as president from 2002 to 2010, maintained his innocence throughout the entire process, which lasted 67 days. He upheld his position, despite the conflict with Senator Iván Cepeda, who is a representative of the leftist party.
The case began in 2012 when Uribe accused Cepeda of attempting to link him to a paramilitary group, but the Supreme Court of Colombia ruled that Uribe should be investigated for witness tampering.
Details of the Process
Uribe was accused of having, with the help of three other individuals, attempted to manipulate witnesses to change their testimonies and claim that he had no connections to paramilitarism. This case drew significant attention in society, as it is the first instance where a former president stands trial.
The court also examined evidence, including intercepted phone conversations, in which Uribe allegedly instructed his lawyer regarding witness tampering. The defense asserted that these recordings were obtained illegally and cannot be used as evidence.
If Uribe is found guilty, he could face up to 12 years in prison. The court is expected to announce a decision on his fate in the near future.
Tags: Politics/Crime