Historic Verdict: Colombia's Ex-President Uribe Sentenced

Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest for abuse of process and bribery, according to official documents and a knowledgeable source. His conviction by Judge Sandra Liliana Heredia marks the first time a Colombian ex-president has been found guilty in a trial.

Uribe's sentence, expected to be announced in court on Friday, includes a $578,000 fine, as disclosed by the documents seen by Reuters and reported by local media. The ruling comes amidst a volatile political landscape, less than a year before Colombia's 2026 presidential elections.

The conviction has sparked debates regarding Colombia-U.S. relations, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticizing the decision. While Uribe and his supporters label the trial a persecution, opponents view it as overdue justice for alleged ties with violent paramilitaries.

(With inputs from agencies.)