**Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe Convicted of Witness-Tampering**

Alvaro Uribe, Colombia's former president, faces legal consequences as a court finds him guilty of witness-tampering, marking a significant moment in Colombian judicial history.

Álvaro Uribe, the former Colombian president from 2002 to 2010, has made headlines after being convicted of witness-tampering by a Bogotá court, indicating a groundbreaking legal stance against former head-of-state conduct. The verdict, rendered against the 73-year-old Uribe, carries potential penalties of up to 12 years in prison for each of the charges, which also include fraud tied to allegations of bribing witnesses.

The court’s decision stems from Uribe's alleged efforts to coerce witnesses regarding his connections to right-wing paramilitary forces implicated in human rights violations throughout the country. He has consistently claimed innocence and plans to appeal the ruling, supported by numerous loyalists who demonstrate outside the courtroom.

Uribe remains a controversial figure in Colombian politics. While celebrated for his unwavering crackdown against the leftist guerrilla faction, Farc, his critics accuse him of perpetuating socio-economic disparities and fostering violence during his administration. The case rekindles debates regarding the complicity of political leaders with armed groups, as Uribe faced scrutiny by the Supreme Court after mistakenly accusing left-wing politician Ivan Cepeda of framing him.

As the implications of this ruling unfold, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly criticized the decision, asserting it illustrates a weaponization of Colombia's judiciary. This incident adds a new layer to Colombia's ongoing struggles with its violent history, as the nation continues to navigate peace-building efforts following Farc’s peace agreement with Uribe's successor in 2016. Despite the convictions and historical significance, violence from disarmed factions continues to disrupt Colombian society.