Surrounded by an impressive security service, influential ex-President Alvaro Uribe arrived on Tuesday (October 8th) at the Colombian Supreme Court. This is the first time that a former head of the Colombian state has to answer in the highest court of the country.
Alvaro Uribe is suspected of trying to bribe witnesses against a political opponent. After an interrogation, the Supreme Court will have to decide whether it judges the former head of state or not. It could take several days to make a decision.
The case dates back to 2012. The former right-wing leader (2002-2010) had filed a complaint against the left-wing senator Ivan Cepeda for an alleged plot based on false testimony, according to him. But the case turned against the plaintiff, the court opening an investigation for bribing witnesses not against Ivan Cepeda but against Alvaro Uribe.
He faces eight years in prison
"I never uttered a word that broke the law," Alvaro Uribe told local media before the start of the hearing.
Alvaro Uribe, 67, appeared free and the proceedings, which had lasted for several hours, were held behind closed doors. In case of trial, the former leader incurs eight years in prison. He could also be placed in pre-trial detention. Supporters and opponents had gathered in front of the building since the early hours of the day. His steadfastness against far-left guerrillas is as applauded as criticized by Colombians.
Given the political weight of the former president, current senator, leader of the ruling party (Centro Democratico) and mentor of current president Ivan Duque, this hearing takes on a particular importance just days before the local elections on 27 October.
With AFP