BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Álvaro Uribe, the former Colombian president once hailed as a tough-talking leader against rebel groups, has been convicted of witness-tampering and fraud in a landmark case that has rocked the nation’s political class.
The 73-year-old, who led the country from 2002 to 2010, is now the first former president in Colombia’s history to be found guilty of a crime.
The court in Bogotá delivered its verdict on Monday, ruling that Uribe had tried to manipulate key witnesses involved in a separate probe into his alleged links to right-wing paramilitary groups. These groups have long been accused of committing atrocities during Colombia’s internal conflict.
“This is a political case,” Uribe said in response to the ruling. He has denied all wrongdoing and is expected to appeal.
The trial has spanned several years and drawn attention both inside and outside Colombia. More than 90 witnesses testified, and the case revived deep national wounds tied to the country’s bloody civil conflict.
According to the court, Uribe attempted to bribe former paramilitary fighters in prison to retract statements connecting him to armed groups. He insists he was only asking them to “tell the truth.”
The charges witness-tampering and procedural fraud each carry sentences of up to 12 years in prison. No sentence has been issued yet.
Uribe built his political reputation by launching a fierce military campaign against the Marxist guerrilla group Farc during his presidency. Backed strongly by the United States, he was seen as a key ally in the fight against drug trafficking and leftist insurgents.
But his leadership also stirred controversy. Critics say he turned a blind eye to human rights abuses and ignored the plight of Colombia’s poor and marginalised communities.
The roots of the current case stretch back to 2012, when Uribe accused opposition senator Iván Cepeda of fabricating evidence to link him to paramilitary groups. Instead of pursuing Cepeda, the Supreme Court launched an investigation into Uribe himself.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has strongly criticised the verdict, suggesting it was driven by political motives. “His only crime has been to tirelessly fight and defend his homeland,” Rubio posted on X.
Paramilitary forces in Colombia first appeared in the 1980s, claiming to protect rural communities from guerrilla fighters. Over time, many became involved in drug trafficking, extortion and mass killings. Their networks still influence parts of the country.
Although Farc signed a peace agreement in 2016, violence persists. Breakaway factions and new armed groups continue to clash, often over control of drug routes and illegal mining.
For many Colombians, the Uribe case highlights ongoing questions about justice, accountability and power. His supporters remain loyal, viewing him as a patriot. But to others, the verdict marks a long-overdue reckoning.
The final decision on Uribe’s sentence, and his appeal, could shape Colombia’s political landscape for years to come.
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