A court in Colombia has ordered the release of former president Álvaro Uribe, even though he was recently found guilty of witness tampering and sentenced to 12 years of house arrest. The release is temporary, as Uribe is appealing the conviction, and the judges decided he should be free while the appeal is ongoing.
This case is historic in Colombia because it is the first time a former president has ever been convicted of a crime in the country. Uribe, who ruled from 2002 to 2010, is a very influential figure in Colombian politics. He was sentenced earlier this month to the maximum punishment possible, making the case even more significant.
Uribe was found guilty of trying to persuade right-wing paramilitary fighters to lie about their connections to him. These paramilitary groups were accused of committing serious crimes and atrocities while fighting against left-wing rebel groups. By encouraging them to hide his ties, the court said Uribe was interfering with the truth.
Throughout his presidency, Uribe was known as a hardliner on security issues. He launched tough military campaigns against both drug cartels and the FARC guerrilla army, which had been active for decades. His policies gained him strong support from many Colombians and made him a close ally of the United States, where he still has friends in conservative politics.
Despite his conviction, Uribe and his supporters claim the trial was politically motivated. He argues that Colombia’s current president, Gustavo Petro, who is a former left-wing guerrilla and one of Uribe’s biggest rivals, influenced the process against him. Petro has denied this but has also publicly questioned the fairness of Uribe’s release.
On Tuesday, the Superior Court in Bogotá explained that Uribe was not considered a flight risk, meaning he is unlikely to run away from the country, so he could be freed while the appeal continues. The judges must now decide by October 16 whether to confirm or overturn his conviction. If they fail to make a ruling by that date, the case will automatically be cancelled, and Uribe will remain free.
After hearing the court’s decision, Uribe went on social media to thank God and his supporters. He promised that he would dedicate his freedom to fighting for what he calls the freedom of Colombia.
The case has also caused tension with the United States. American senator Marco Rubio criticized Uribe’s prosecution, claiming it was an example of judges being used as political weapons.Colombian president Petro, however, accused the U.S. of interfering in Colombia’s justice system and putting pressure on local courts.
Meanwhile, Uribe continues to hold huge influence in Colombian politics, especially among conservatives. Even after leaving the presidency, he has played the role of kingmaker, helping to select and guide new political leaders. Opinion polls show he is still one of the most popular politicians in the country.
The investigation against him began in 2018 and has dragged on for years, with different attorneys general at times trying to close the case. However, it moved forward again when Luz Camargo, chosen by Petro, became the new attorney general.
More than 90 witnesses testified in the trial, which officially began in May 2024. Prosecutors even presented evidence that one former paramilitary fighter said he was directly contacted by Uribe and asked to change his testimony.
For now, Uribe is free, but his future depends on what the court decides in the coming weeks, a decision that could shape Colombian politics for years to come.
