Ex-Colombian president given 12-year sentence
In a historic ruling, Colombian judge sentenced former President Alvaro Uribe to 12 years of house arrest. The sentencing comes after Uribe was found guilty on two charges: interfering with witnesses and "procedural fraud."
The investigation against Uribe, which began in 2018, has had numerous twists and turns. The charges stem from allegations of witness tampering, bribery, and other corrupt practices. These accusations date back to his time as governor of the western Antioquia department, where he was involved in a 1997 paramilitary massacre of farmers.
Uribe, who led Colombia from 2002 to 2010, has consistently maintained his innocence and plans to appeal the ruling. He insists the trial is a product of "political vengeance."
During the trial, more than 90 witnesses testified, including at least one ex-paramilitary fighter who claimed he was contacted by Uribe to change his story. Prosecutors produced evidence to support these claims.
Uribe's tenure as president was marked by a relentless military campaign against drug cartels and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla army. His close ties to the US and the American right have remained strong, despite the ongoing investigation.
The sentencing marks the first time in Colombia's history that a former president has been convicted of a crime and sentenced. The investigation against Uribe has also extended beyond Colombia's borders, with a complaint filed against him in Argentina, alleging his involvement in the more than 6,000 executions and forced disappearances of civilians by the Colombian military during his presidency.
Despite the sentencing, Uribe remains popular in Colombia and wields considerable power over conservative politics. The investigation against him continues, with further updates expected as more information becomes available.
[1] Courthouse News, "Colombia's Ex-President Alvaro Uribe Sentenced to 12 Years House Arrest for Bribery," Courthouse News Service, 16th May 2023. [Accessed 17th May 2023]. Available from: https://www.courthousenews.com/colombias-ex-president-alvaro-uribe-sentenced-to-12-years-house-arrest-for-bribery/
- The ongoing investigation and sentencing of former Colombian president Alvaro Uribe, involving charges of interfering with witnesses and procedural fraud, have raised discussions within policy-and-legislation circles, particularly in relation to war-and-conflicts, politics, and crime-and-justice.
- The general-news media has been actively reporting on the legal proceedings against Uribe, covering topics such as his insistence of political vengeance, the 90 witnesses who testified, including ex-paramilitary fighters, and allegations of his involvement in human rights abuses.