In a dramatic turn of events, Colombia’s former President Alvaro Uribe has been exonerated of fraud and bribery charges that previously led to a 12-year house arrest sentence. The convictions, which were overturned by the Superior Court in Bogotá, had marked Uribe as the first Colombian leader to face criminal conviction. The case centered on allegations that Uribe directed his lawyer to bribe imprisoned paramilitaries to refute claims of his association with their organizations. Uribe, who served as president from 2002 to 2010, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Known for his aggressive stance against left-wing Farc rebels, Uribe remains a significant political figure in Colombia. The court’s 700-page decision highlighted the lack of credibility in the testimony of former paramilitary commander Luis Carlos Velez, who accused Uribe’s lawyer of bribery. Additionally, the court ruled that some wiretaps used in the investigation were obtained illegally. The ruling, which can still be appealed by those classified as victims, has sparked controversy. Current President Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing leader, criticized the decision, alleging it obscures the history of paramilitary governance and political alliances with drug trafficking. Paramilitary groups, which emerged in the 1980s to combat Marxist guerrillas, have been implicated in numerous atrocities, including massacres and disappearances. Similarly, left-wing guerrilla groups have also been accused of violence against civilians. The case underscores the complex and contentious history of Colombia’s armed conflicts and political landscape.