Colombia: Former President Uribe Convicted, US Condemns 'Radical' Judges

A court in Colombia has convicted former President Álvaro Uribe of witness tampering, prompting a reaction from the US, which condemned the 'radical judges'.

Álvaro Uribe, who served as President of Colombia from 2000 to 2010, faces a prison sentence of up to 12 years. The case concerns allegations that he influenced witnesses in an investigation against him.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that 'Former Colombian President Uribe’s only crime has been to tirelessly fight and defend his homeland,' expressing concern about the 'weaponization of Colombia’s judicial branch'.

Uribe, a key figure of the Colombian right, accused Senator Iván Cepeda of conspiracy in 2012. The court dismissed Cepeda's charges and focused on the charges against Uribe.

Uribe maintains that he was simply seeking to persuade witnesses to tell the truth. He has remained a significant political figure, with influence in the opposition after the election of Social Democrat Gustavo Petro in 2022.