Colombia ex-president Uribe sentenced to 12 years prison: Caracol

Colombia ex-president Uribe sentenced to 12 years prison: Caracol

Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest for abuse of process and bribery of a public official. The sentence was handed down by Judge Sandra Liliana Heredia on Friday, August 1, 2025, in a landmark ruling that has significant implications for Colombia's political landscape and international relations [1].

Uribe, who governed Colombia from 2002 to 2010, was found guilty of witness tampering and bribery in a case that has been ongoing for over a decade. The conviction marks the first time a former Colombian president has been found guilty at trial and comes just months before the country's 2026 presidential election [1].

The sentencing decision has sparked controversy, with Uribe's supporters maintaining that the trial is a politically motivated persecution, while his detractors celebrate it as a long-overdue reckoning for a man accused of ties to violent right-wing paramilitaries [1]. The conviction has also drawn international attention, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing the ruling as a "weaponization of Colombia's judicial branch by radical judges" and analysts predicting potential cuts to U.S. aid in response [1].

In a related development, Uribe has filed a criminal complaint against current President Gustavo Petro, alleging harassment and defamation. The complaint, filed through the law firm Víctor Mosquera Marín Abogados, accuses Petro of making unfounded accusations against Uribe without judicial backing [2]. This legal action comes amidst a tense political climate, with Petro's comments on Uribe's conviction drawing criticism for overstepping executive authority and attempting to shape public opinion against a political rival [2].

The sentencing of Uribe and the subsequent legal complaint against Petro highlight the deep divisions within Colombia's political and judicial system. The case is set to have significant ramifications for the country's political future and its relationship with the United States.

References:
[1] Reuters. (2025, August 1). Colombia ex-president Uribe sentenced to 12 years house arrest. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombia-ex-president-sentenced-12-years-house-arrest-document-shows-2025-08-01/
[2] The City Paper Bogotá. (2025, August 1). Uribe files criminal complaint against Petro for harassment and defamation. Retrieved from https://thecitypaperbogota.com/news/uribe-files-criminal-complaint-against-petro-for-harassment-and-defamation/