Colombia made history this week as former President Álvaro Uribe was convicted of witness tampering. The decision marks a dramatic chapter in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen judicial independence and accountability.
The conflict began over a decade ago, when Uribe accused Senator Iván Cepeda of spreading false links to paramilitary groups. The Supreme Court not only rejected the claim but also launched an investigation into Uribe’s conduct.
According to prosecutors, Uribe contacted imprisoned paramilitary figures and encouraged them to alter their testimonies. Although Uribe denied wrongdoing, the court sided with witness accounts and documented communications.
As the first former president convicted of a crime in Colombia, Uribe’s downfall signals a growing intolerance for political manipulation. The verdict underscores a new era of legal scrutiny for even the most powerful.