Colombia's ex-president Álvaro Uribe sentenced to 12 years under house arrest
Álvaro Uribe becomes the first former Colombian president convicted, receiving 12 years of house arrest, a $578,000 fine and a ban from public office after being found guilty of witness tampering and fraud.
Former President Receives House Arrest Sentence
Colombia's former president Álvaro Uribe Vélez, 73, has been sentenced to 12 years under house arrest for witness tampering and fraud. He is the first former Colombian leader convicted of a crime. In addition to house detention, Uribe faces a fine of $578,000 and is barred from holding public office.
Background and Evidence
Uribe, who served two terms from 2002 to 2010 and remains influential in national politics, denies wrongdoing and vows to appeal. Prosecutors say he and his former lawyer, Diego Cadena, sought to influence testimonies from two jailed ex-paramilitaries. Cadena has also been charged and denies the allegations.
Political Reactions and Legacy
The case has sparked intense debate. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the conviction on social media, calling Colombia's judiciary "weaponized" against Uribe. Supporters argue his security policies weakened leftist guerrillas despite allegations of collaboration with right-wing paramilitary groups.
Paramilitary Context
Emerging in the 1980s to combat guerrilla insurgencies, paramilitary groups later became key players in the cocaine trade and internal conflicts. Critics of Uribe contend he failed to address the deep-rooted inequality fueling violence, even as he earned praise from Washington for his hardline stance.
Uribe's conviction marks a historic test for Colombia's judiciary, intensifying debate over his legacy and the rule of law.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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