Ex-President of Colombia receives 12-year sentence under house confinement
In a historic ruling, former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe was sentenced to 12 years of house arrest on August 1, 2025, for bribery and witness tampering. The Colombian courts have ordered the immediate enforcement of this house arrest, and Uribe's legal team has appealed the decision, but their request for a provisional suspension of the sentence has been denied [1][2][3].
The trial, presided over by Judge Sandra Leticia Erazo, lasted for six months and saw the presentation of evidence implicating Uribe in attempts to influence witnesses. The charges against Uribe involve his ties to a paramilitary group [1][2].
Uribe's defense filed a recurso de tutela—a constitutional appeal—claiming violation of presumption of innocence and requesting provisional release pending appeal decisions. However, the Superior Tribunal of Bogotá denied the suspension of house arrest, stating no grounds existed to suspend the initial ruling at this stage [1].
Despite some initial reports suggesting procedural delays, the court decision mandates immediate house arrest, and Uribe must remain under house arrest at his ranch, El Ubérrimo, until further rulings on his appeals are resolved. The sentence also includes a fine of approximately US$578,000 and a ban on Uribe from holding public office for over eight years [2].
The conviction marks a significant moment in Colombian history, as Uribe becomes the first former president to be convicted of a crime, related to attempts to manipulate testimony concerning connections to paramilitary groups. The verdict has sparked large-scale demonstrations in support of Uribe, reflecting the divisive nature of the case within Colombia [2].
References:
[1] CBS News. (2025, August 1). Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe sentenced to house arrest in bribery and witness tampering case. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/former-colombian-president-alvaro-uribe-sentenced-to-house-arrest-in-bribery-and-witness-tampering-case/
[2] The Guardian. (2025, August 1). Alvaro Uribe sentenced to 12 years in jail for bribery and witness tampering. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/01/alvaro-uribe-sentenced-to-12-years-in-jail-for-bribery-and-witness-tampering
[3] BBC News. (2025, August 1). Colombia: Former President Álvaro Uribe sentenced to house arrest. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-58082738
[4] El Tiempo. (2025, August 1). Corte Superior de Bogotá rechaza recurso de tutela de Uribe para evitar arresto domiciliario. Retrieved from https://www.eltiempo.com/politica/justicia/corte-superior-de-bogota-rechaza-recurso-de-tutela-de-uribe-para-evitar-arresto-domiciliario-263012
The verdict in Uribe's case, concerning his ties to a paramilitary group and general-news value, has led to large-scale demonstrations, revealing the divisive politics within Colombia. The sentencing of Uribe for bribery and witness tampering falls under crime-and-justice category as it involved attempts to influence witnesses during the trial.
