In a significant legal development, a Colombian appeals court has overturned the conviction of former President Álvaro Uribe on charges of bribery and witness tampering. The decision, announced on Tuesday, marks a dramatic turn in a high-profile case that has captivated the nation and cast a shadow over Uribe’s political legacy. The 73-year-old conservative leader, who served as president from 2002 to 2010, was initially sentenced to 12 years of house arrest in August following a six-month trial. Prosecutors had accused Uribe of attempting to influence witnesses who alleged his involvement with paramilitary groups in the 1990s. However, the appeals court ruled that the conviction suffered from ‘structural deficiencies,’ relied on vague premises, and lacked thorough analysis. Uribe has consistently denied wrongdoing, framing the case as political persecution and alleging bias from the presiding judge. His legal team challenged the evidence’s validity, arguing that his culpability was not conclusively proven. The ruling can still be appealed to Colombia’s Supreme Court by prosecutors and victims. Uribe remains a polarizing figure in Colombia, celebrated by some for his role in stabilizing the country and criticized by others for his alleged ties to human rights abuses and paramilitary activities. The case underscores the deep political divisions and legal complexities surrounding his legacy.
Appeals court overturns conviction of Colombian ex-President Uribe for bribery and witness tampering
