Álvaro Uribe, one of Colombia’s most influential political figures, has been convicted of criminal witness tampering. The verdict has sent shockwaves through the country’s political system and sparked intense public debate.
The case stems from Uribe’s 2012 accusations against Senator Iván Cepeda, which led to the Supreme Court investigating Uribe’s own legal tactics. Prosecutors argued that Uribe contacted witnesses in an effort to change damaging testimony.
One former paramilitary confirmed being approached by Uribe, and his testimony helped the court build a solid case. Uribe, visibly distressed during the virtual hearing, received the guilty verdict with a shake of the head.
The ruling is seen as a major victory for judicial independence and the principle that no one is above the law.