Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe Convicted of Witness Tampering and Bribery in Historic Trial

Bogotá, Colombia — In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves across Colombia, former President Álvaro Uribe has been convicted of witness tampering and bribery, becoming the first former head of state in the nation’s history to be criminally convicted. The ruling, delivered after a six-month-long trial, could see Uribe face up to 12 years in prison, though sentencing will take place in a separate hearing. Uribe, who maintains his innocence, is expected to appeal the verdict.

Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Threaten to Target Commercial Ships Linked to Israeli Ports

What Happened

The conviction stems from allegations that Uribe, who served as Colombia’s president from 2002 to 2010, attempted to manipulate witnesses who had accused him of ties to paramilitary groups.

According to prosecutors, Uribe, working through an attorney, conspired to convince imprisoned paramilitary members to alter their testimonies in ways that would discredit Senator Iván Cepeda, a political rival who had long accused Uribe of collusion with paramilitary groups.

Uribe, who did not attend court for the final ruling, reportedly shook his head as the judge announced the verdict, while his lawyers argued that interviews with prisoners were only meant for trial preparation.

Who Was Involved

Álvaro Uribe: Former Colombian President, convicted of bribery and witness tampering.
Iván Cepeda: Leftist senator who originally accused Uribe of ties to paramilitary groups, sparking the investigation.
Judge Sandra Jaramillo (presiding judge): Ruled that sufficient evidence proved Uribe’s involvement in bribery and witness manipulation.
Prosecutors: Presented evidence showing Uribe’s lawyer sought to influence at least three imprisoned witnesses.

Despite Uribe’s defense, Judge Jaramillo emphasized that the decision was a matter of justice, not politics, asserting that “no one is above the law.”

Background and Timeline

2012: Uribe filed a complaint against Senator Iván Cepeda, accusing him of fabricating witness testimonies.
2018: Colombia’s Supreme Court dismissed Uribe’s complaint and instead opened an investigation into Uribe himself.
2019–2024: A series of pretrial hearings and legal disputes delayed the process.
2025: After six months of testimony and evidence review, Uribe was found guilty of witness tampering and bribery.

Uribe’s presidency is remembered for a hardline stance against leftist guerrillas, particularly the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), but also marred by allegations of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings of civilians during military operations.

Public and International Reaction

The ruling has sparked a fierce national and international debate:

Supporters of Uribe — including U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who criticized the ruling as politically motivated — argue that Uribe’s conviction undermines his legacy as a defender of Colombia against leftist insurgents. Rubio accused Colombian courts of “weaponizing the judiciary.”
President Gustavo Petro — welcomed the decision, calling it a milestone for Colombia’s democracy. He stressed that judicial independence must be respected and rebuked Rubio for interfering in Colombian sovereignty.
Senator Iván Cepeda — hailed the conviction as a victory for truth and justice, declaring that the ruling proves “no one is above the rule of law.”
Civil society groups and victims’ organizations — praised the ruling as a long-awaited step toward accountability for Colombia’s violent past.

What Happens Next

Uribe is expected to appeal the conviction, which could delay the final outcome for months. Meanwhile, Colombia faces renewed debates about:

The legacy of Uribe’s presidency and its impact on Colombia’s internal conflict.
How the nation will handle accountability for human rights abuses linked to both state forces and paramilitary groups.
The broader implications of holding former leaders criminally responsible.

As the appeals process unfolds, this case is likely to remain a defining moment in Colombia’s history, shaping the nation’s path toward justice and reconciliation.

Conclusion

Álvaro Uribe’s conviction represents a historic turning point for Colombia, challenging the legacy of one of its most influential leaders and underscoring the country’s struggle with justice, accountability, and political division. Whether the ruling withstands appeal will be closely watched both in Colombia and abroad.