Colombia’s former President Álvaro Uribe is set to face trial for allegations of witness tampering and fraud, according to prosecutors. This development marks a significant milestone as Uribe will become the first Colombian president to stand trial on criminal charges.

The decision to proceed with the trial comes after the Attorney General’s office reviewed new evidence, including testimony from a former paramilitary member, Juan Guillermo Monsalve, and his associate. Monsalve, who is currently serving time for various charges, has accused Uribe of involvement in right-wing paramilitary groups.

Uribe, a prominent figure in Colombian politics, has faced allegations of human rights abuses and ties to paramilitaries throughout his tenure as president from 2002 to 2010. Despite these accusations, Uribe has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and maintains his innocence.

The case against Uribe originated from a longstanding feud with left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda, who raised concerns about Uribe’s alleged connections to paramilitary groups. Uribe, in turn, accused Cepeda of using false witnesses to implicate him falsely.

The trial will focus on allegations that Uribe attempted to influence witnesses to retract their statements linking him to paramilitary activities. One such witness, Juan Guillermo Monsalve, claims that Uribe’s lawyer offered him bribes to recant his testimony.

Uribe’s supporters have rallied behind him, asserting his innocence and decrying the trial as a politically motivated act of revenge. The Democratic Center party, founded by Uribe, issued a statement reaffirming their belief in his integrity and condemning the charges as baseless.

Despite Uribe’s continued denial of any wrongdoing, a conviction for witness tampering could result in a lengthy prison sentence. The trial proceedings will be closely watched in Colombia, as they have the potential to reshape the country’s political landscape and further polarize public opinion.

As the date for Uribe’s trial is yet to be announced, tensions are high, and the outcome remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the decision to move forward with the trial underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability, even for high-profile figures like Álvaro Uribe.