Uribe Sentenced to 12 Years House Arrest in Colombia

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest for witness tampering, bribery, and abuse of process, making him the first former head of state in Colombia to be criminally convicted. The court determined that Uribe and his lawyer attempted to influence jailed witnesses to defend him against longstanding allegations of ties to illegal paramilitary groups during his time as governor. Along with house arrest, Uribe faces a $578,000 fine and an eight-year ban from holding public office; he is appealing the verdict and has requested release during the appeal. The case has sharply divided Colombia, with supporters calling the trial political persecution and critics seeing it as long-overdue accountability. The sentencing comes ahead of Colombia’s 2026 presidential election and may affect relations with the United States, as some U.S. officials have criticized the ruling as judicial overreach. Colombia’s choice of house arrest over prison aims to balance justice, political stability, and international concerns.