Colombia Court Frees Former President as He Appeals Conviction

A Colombian court on Tuesday ordered the immediate release of former president Álvaro Uribe while he appeals a conviction for witness tampering, for which he was sentenced to 12 years of house arrest.

The sentence, announced earlier this month, marked the first time in Colombia’s history that a former president has been convicted of a crime. Uribe received the maximum possible prison term.

Uribe, who led Colombia from 2002 to 2010, was found guilty of asking right-wing paramilitaries to lie about their alleged links to him as they committed atrocities during conflicts with leftist rebels.

A law-and-order hardliner, Uribe has long been a close ally of the United States and retains strong ties to the American right.

Since 1 August, the former president had been confined to house arrest at his home in Rionegro.

Uribe appealed the conviction, arguing that the trial was politically motivated, instigated by Colombia’s left, now led by President Gustavo Petro.

On Tuesday, the Superior Court in Bogotá ruled that Uribe could move freely while the appeal is considered, stating that he is not considered a flight risk.

The court has until 16 October to uphold or overturn the conviction. If the deadline is missed, the trial is annulled and Uribe will be released permanently.

“Thanks to God, thanks to so many fellow Colombians for their expressions of solidarity,” Uribe wrote on X.
“I will dedicate every minute of my freedom to the freedom of Colombia.”

Uribe remains highly popular and influential among conservatives, having led a relentless military campaign against drug cartels and the FARC guerrilla army during his presidency.

He continues to wield considerable power in conservative politics, often acting as a kingmaker in the selection of party leaders.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised Uribe’s prosecution, alleging—without presenting evidence—that it represented “the weaponisation of Colombia’s judicial branch by radical judges.”

Recent opinion polls show Uribe as Colombia’s most popular politician, underscoring his enduring influence.

The investigation against Uribe began in 2018, experiencing multiple twists and turns with several attorneys general attempting to close the case.

The trial gained new momentum under Attorney General Luz Camargo, appointed by President Petro, a former guerrilla and political arch-foe of Uribe.

During the proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence that at least one ex-paramilitary fighter was contacted by Uribe to alter his story, forming the basis of the conviction.

This release and ongoing appeal highlight the political polarisation in Colombia, reflecting deep divisions between Uribe’s conservative base and the current left-wing administration.