The trial against former Colombian president Álvaro Uribe has advanced significantly, a situation that seemed unlikely a few years ago. Although the outcome remains uncertain, this case joins a long list of Latin American presidents who have faced legal proceedings after leaving office and who claim that they are being politically persecuted. In several countries in the region, former presidents have been prosecuted, convicted or even exiled.

There are several cases. Argentina has had several former presidents investigated or convicted. Isabel Perón, who took power after the death of Juan Domingo Perón in 1974, was arrested in 2007 in Spain for crimes against humanity related to her government. Carlos Menem, who governed from 1989 to 1999, was convicted of arms trafficking, although he avoided prison because of his advanced age. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was recently convicted of corruption, although she maintains her political activity.

In Chile, Augusto Pinochet faced multiple judicial processes after leaving the dictatorship in 1990. In 1998, he was arrested in London at the request of Spain for human rights violations. Although he was never convicted, his case set a precedent in international justice. Recently, former President Sebastián Piñera also faced investigations, although without going to trial.

In Uruguay, Juan María Bordaberry, president from 1972 to 1976, was convicted in 2010 of violating the Constitution and committing crimes against humanity. Bordaberry was sentenced to 30 years in prison, although he died under house arrest.

Raúl Cubas, who governed Paraguay between 1998 and 1999, faced an impeachment trial after the assassination of Vice President Luis María Argaña. His case involved exile and return to his country where he was captured.

Peru: from Fujimori to Toledo

Peru is one of the countries with more former presidents on trial. Alberto Fujimori was extradited from Chile in 2007 and sentenced to 25 years in prison for human rights violations and corruption. Alejandro Toledo was extradited from the United States in 2023 for his involvement in the Odebrecht case. Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and Ollanta Humala also face corruption investigations.

In Ecuador, former president Rafael Correa, who governed between 2007 and 2017, was sentenced in absentia to eight years in prison for corruption in the Bribery case. Correa resides in Belgium, from where he denounces political persecution.

The Uribe case in Colombia

Former Colombian president Álvaro Uribe is facing a trial for alleged witness tampering and procedural fraud. Unlike other cases in the region, the trial against Uribe has generated political polarization. The former president still enjoys high popularity and his trial has been prolonged by the strategies of the defense lawyers. His trial is still ongoing and could set a precedent in Colombia.

The trend of former presidents on trial in Latin America shows an evolution in accountability. While some cases have resulted in convictions, others have gone unpunished or have become embroiled in political disputes. The outcome of Uribe's trial could define the future of justice in Colombia and its relationship with political power.