Former President Uribe Freed by Bogotá High Court Amid Appeal of 12-Year Bribery Sentence

Bogotá, Colombia – Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe Vélez was ordered released from house arrest on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, by a high court in Bogotá. The decision by the Superior Court of Bogotá revokes the 12-year house arrest sentence he received on August 1 for charges of bribery and procedural fraud. Uribe will now remain free while his legal team pursues an appeal of the conviction.

The long-running legal saga against Uribe, who governed Colombia from 2002 to 2010, dates back to 2012. The case originated from Uribe's accusation against Senator Iván Cepeda for alleged witness manipulation, which subsequently led to an investigation against Uribe himself by the Supreme Court for similar offenses. The former president was found guilty of attempting to bribe witnesses and manipulate testimony related to his alleged ties to paramilitary groups.

The Bogotá High Court's ruling to revoke the house arrest was based on a "tutela," a constitutional action, filed by Uribe's defense team, arguing that the house arrest violated his fundamental rights, including individual liberty. While the court's decision allows Uribe to face the appeal process in freedom, it does not overturn the underlying conviction. The case will proceed to a second instance review.

Following the court's decision, Uribe expressed his gratitude on social media, stating, "Thank God, thank you to so many compatriots for your expressions of solidarity. I will dedicate every minute of my freedom to the freedom of Colombia." The ruling has been met with significant political and judicial debate within Colombia. As Bernie Moreno, a prominent figure, stated in a tweet, "> A high court in Bogotá has ordered the immediate release of @AlvaroUribeVel! Democracy thrives when a Country has strong institutions. This decision today is as much a victory for Colombia as it is for the Uribe family."

The case continues to be a pivotal moment in Colombian legal and political history, as Uribe remains an influential figure in national politics. The ultimate legal outcome of the bribery and procedural fraud charges will be determined by the ongoing appeal process, which is expected to continue for some time.