In a landmark ruling, a court in Colombia has ordered the immediate release of former president Álvaro Uribe while he appeals his conviction for witness tampering. The conviction, which led to a 12-year house arrest sentence, was handed down earlier this month, marking the first time in Colombia’s history that a former president has been convicted of a crime.
Uribe, who served as Colombia’s president from 2002 to 2010, was found guilty of pressuring right-wing paramilitaries to fabricate their testimonies about their alleged connections to him during their operations against leftist rebels. His actions, according to the court, were meant to protect his reputation and shield him from accountability for atrocities committed by paramilitary groups during the Colombian conflict.
The 73-year-old, who is regarded as one of the most influential political figures in Colombia’s modern history, had been placed under house arrest at his home in Rionegro, near Medellín, on August 1, 2025. He maintains that the case against him is politically motivated, orchestrated by Colombia’s left-wing government under President Gustavo Petro.
On Tuesday, the Superior Court in Bogotá ruled that Uribe could now move freely while his appeal is under review, deeming him not a flight risk. The court has until October 16, 2025, to make a final decision on the appeal. If the court fails to meet this deadline, Uribe’s conviction will be annulled, and he will be free to go.
Uribe, a staunch advocate for security policies, was closely aligned with the United States during his presidency and is seen as a hero by many Colombians, particularly within conservative circles. He led aggressive military campaigns against drug cartels and guerrilla groups like FARC. Despite his controversial past, Uribe’s popularity remains high, and he continues to exert significant influence over Colombia’s conservative political landscape.
Following the ruling, Uribe took to social media to express his gratitude. “Thanks to God, thanks to so many fellow Colombians for their expressions of solidarity,” he wrote on X. “I will dedicate every minute of my freedom to the freedom of Colombia.”
Uribe’s case has sparked significant debate both within Colombia and internationally. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have criticized the conviction, suggesting it could be an example of political interference in the judicial process. Rubio claimed, without evidence, that the case represents a “weaponization” of the judicial branch by radical judges.
In contrast, President Petro has publicly questioned the fairness of Uribe’s release, accusing the judiciary of being under immense pressure. “I do not understand how Uribe is free,” Petro remarked during a televised meeting. “Is that justice?”
The investigation into Uribe began in 2018 and has been riddled with twists and delays. The case gained new momentum when Attorney General Luz Camargo, appointed by Petro, took over the investigation. More than 90 witnesses testified against Uribe, including former paramilitary fighters, some of whom claimed they were instructed by Uribe to alter their testimonies.
