Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe is strongly denying the charges against him, calling them a form of political revenge as he faces the possibility of a landmark criminal case. It would be unprecedented for a Colombian president to stand trial on criminal charges, but the country’s attorney general recently announced plans to file a complaint accusing Uribe of witness tampering and fraud.
In a video statement released on social media, Uribe declared the trial a result of political persecution and personal condemnation, maintaining his innocence and emphasizing the lack of evidence against him. His political party, the Democratic Center group, also expressed support for him, citing his commitment to Colombia and his legacy of service.
While the criminal charges have not been officially filed, Uribe could potentially face up to 12 years in prison for witness tampering and eight years for procedural fraud. The accusations stem from allegations dating back a decade that Uribe sought to silence witnesses linking him to paramilitary groups.
During his time in office, Uribe was known for his tough stance against leftist rebels and his close alliance with the United States in the war on drugs. However, his administration was marred by human rights concerns, including accusations of extrajudicial killings by the military.
Since leaving office, Uribe has continued to wield significant influence in Colombian politics, particularly in opposition to a peace deal with the FARC rebel group. His supporters have rallied behind him with the hashtag #CreoEnUribe, expressing their belief in his innocence.
The attorney general who announced the impending charges was elected in March under President Gustavo Petro, the country’s first left-wing leader. The Supreme Court initiated the investigation into Uribe’s alleged crimes, and despite attempts to halt the probe, judges have allowed it to proceed. Uribe was previously placed under house arrest during the investigation.
The upcoming criminal case against Uribe highlights the complex and polarizing nature of Colombian politics, reflecting the country’s tumultuous history of armed conflict and power struggles among various factions.