Former President Álvaro Uribe has been convicted of witness tampering in a case that has tested the resilience of Colombia’s justice system. The judgment sets a new standard for legal accountability.
Uribe’s initial accusations against Senator Iván Cepeda were rejected by the court, which subsequently began scrutinizing Uribe’s own actions. That inquiry uncovered attempts to tamper with key witness testimonies.
One former paramilitary witness testified that Uribe contacted him and urged a change in his statement. This testimony was central to the trial’s outcome.
With sentencing pending, the case is being hailed as a victory for Colombian democracy—and a clear warning to those who believe power exempts them from justice.