Fri Aug 01 23:28:22 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article, focusing on the core information and aimed at the Indian perspective based on the provided context.

**Summary:**

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest following his conviction on charges of witness tampering and bribery. The case has been highly divisive in Colombia, with supporters viewing Uribe as a national savior and critics associating him with human rights abuses during his presidency. The sentence is being appealed, and its outcome will likely have a significant impact on Colombian politics. The case is significant because of Uribe’s powerful influence and the divisions he evokes within the country.

**News Article:**

**Former Colombian President Uribe Sentenced to House Arrest, Polarizes Nation**

**Bogota, August 2, 2025 (The Hindu) -** Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest after being convicted of witness tampering and bribery. The verdict in a politically charged case has ignited a fierce debate within Colombia, highlighting the deep divisions surrounding Uribe’s legacy.

The court found Uribe, who served as president from 2002 to 2010, guilty of attempting to influence witnesses who had accused him of ties to paramilitary groups during the 1990s. Uribe maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the ruling, calling the sentence politically motivated. In addition to house arrest, the judge barred Uribe from holding public office for eight years and fined him approximately $776,000.

Uribe remains a controversial figure in Colombia. He is credited by many for stabilizing the country and weakening leftist insurgencies, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). However, he also faces accusations of human rights abuses and collusion with paramilitary organizations.

The case began when Uribe filed a libel suit against Senator Ivan Cepeda, who had launched an investigation into Uribe’s alleged paramilitary links. The Supreme Court later dismissed Uribe’s accusations and began investigating Uribe himself.

The sentencing has sparked reactions from both supporters and opponents. Some see the verdict as justice served after years of alleged wrongdoing, while others view it as a political witch hunt.

The appeals court has until October to issue its ruling. Whatever the outcome, this case will continue to be a major source of national debate in Colombia.

**Why this is tailored for *The Hindu* and an Indian audience:**

* **Focus on Political Implications:** The article highlights the political ramifications of the case, a key consideration for an audience interested in geopolitics.
* **Neutral Tone:** The language is objective and avoids taking a specific side in the Uribe controversy.
* **Mention of Latin American Insurgency:** The article mentions the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia(FARC), which connects Colombia’s issues to the ongoing conflict around the world.

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