Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe’s trial for bribery, procedural fraud, and witness tampering began on February 6, after being charged in May 2024. Despite attempts to delay proceedings, the judge proceeded with the case due to statute of limitations concerns. The prosecution argues that Uribe bribed witnesses against his political rival, Senator Iván Cepeda, who testified against Uribe’s alleged paramilitary ties. As the trial progresses, motions for judicial bias and calls for international oversight have emerged.
Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe’s trial commenced on February 6, marking him as the first ex-head of state in the 21st century to face such proceedings. Charged with bribery, procedural fraud, and witness tampering by the Colombian Prosecutors’ Office, Uribe’s defense sought to delay the trial, citing unfinished preparatory hearings and threats to his safety, but the judge, Sandra Heredia, denied the request, emphasizing the urgency due to impending statute of limitations.
During the opening session, the prosecution alleged that Uribe bribed former paramilitary members to provide false testimony against Senator Iván Cepeda, Uribe’s political opponent. In 2012, Uribe accused Cepeda of misconduct related to paramilitary debates held in Antioquia, where Cepeda claimed Uribe had links to the AUC, a paramilitary group classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
On February 10, the trial continued with Cepeda’s testimony, where he recounted an interview with former AUC member Pablo Hernán Sierra García. Sierra García allegedly revealed that Uribe and his brother were co-founders of the Metro Bloc paramilitary group in the 1990s. The session was later adjourned, set to resume on February 11 amid public support for Uribe outside the courthouse.
Uribe has continuously asserted his innocence, claiming the trial is politically motivated and denying allegations of witness bribery. Following his 2012 accusations against Cepeda, the Supreme Court appointed a sub-commission that instead focused on Uribe’s alleged misconduct, leading to charges of witness tampering against his lawyer, Diego Cadena. The former president’s legal team has sought to dismiss evidence against him multiple times in court, and a provisional house arrest warrant was issued against him in August 2020.
Uribe’s ascent in politics began with his role as mayor of Medellín, followed by his governorship of Antioquia. He served two terms as president from 2002 to 2010, achieving high approval ratings due to his tough stance on guerrilla groups. His political career, however, has been marred by accusations of paramilitary ties and ongoing investigations into corruption.
As the trial progresses, Uribe’s defense raised allegations of judicial bias against judge Heredia, prompting them to file a constitutional injunction. They argue that Heredia’s conduct compromised the trial’s fairness. Senator Cepeda has requested international oversight to ensure impartiality, with the trial set to continue on Thursday, February 13.
Álvaro Uribe’s trial represents a significant moment in Colombian political history, as he stands as the first former president to face such allegations in court. Charged with serious offenses, including bribery and witness tampering, Uribe maintains his innocence, asserting political motivations behind the accusations. The developments around his trial, and the public and legal responses, indicate a critical intersection of politics and justice in Colombia, while the case continues to unfold.
Original Source: latinamericareports.com
