Latest News

Uribe’s Defense Team Decries ‘Lawfare’ After Historic Guilty Verdict

By Richard Emblin - July 29, 2025

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe was found guilty of witness tampering, but his defense claims the trial was politically motivated and legally flawed. They argue the judge ignored exculpatory evidence and relied on a discredited witness. Uribe’s legal team plans to appeal, calling the verdict an attack on due process.

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe Vélez addresses a crowd in Santa Fe de Antioquia. Photo: Twitter/Alvaro Uribe.

Guilty Verdict Against Álvaro Uribe Sparks Condemnation from U.S Lawmakers

By Richard Emblin - July 29, 2025

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe was found guilty of witness tampering and abuse of process, becoming the country’s first ex-head of state convicted at trial. U.S. Republican lawmakers condemned the verdict as political persecution, while Uribe’s legal team plans to appeal. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday.

U.S and UK intel lead Colombian Police to alias “Terror” of Gulf Clan

By The City Paper Staff - February 25, 2025

Colombia’s National Police, backed with U.S. and U.K. intelligence, killed Gulf Clan leader Oliverio Isaza Gómez, alias “Terror,” in Antioquia. The raid dealt a major blow to drug trafficking and organized crime, disrupting the clan’s expansion in Magdalena Medio.

Petro and Mancuso’s hat exchange precedes a deadly weekend in Colombia

By Richard Emblin - October 7, 2024

After President Petro and former AUC commander Salvatore Mancuso exchanged hats in a bizarre ceremony for the victims of forced displacement, Colombia witnessed a violent weekend, with over 14 people killed in four separate massacres.

Ex-paramilitary commander Salvatore Mancuso arrived back in Colombia after serving a 16-year prison sentence in the U.S. Photo: Migración Colombia.

Ex-AUC paramilitary Salvatore Mancuso granted freedom by Bogotá Court

By The City Paper Staff - May 9, 2024

Former paramilitary commander of the AUC, Salvatore Mancuso, has been granted freedom by Bogotá’s High Court after serving a mere two months in La Picota prison. Mancuso was appointed as a “peace envoy” for leftist President Petro.

Ex-para Mancuso returns to Colombia as “peace envoy” for Petro

By The City Paper Staff - February 27, 2024

Former paramilitary commander Salvatore Mancuso returns to Colombia after serving 16 years in a U.S. maximum security prison. Appointed by President Petro as a peace facilitator, Mancuso’s repatriation opens a debate on justice and post-conflict reconciliation.

Senator Rubio asks US to stop extradition of “peace manager” Mancuso

By The City Paper Staff - August 24, 2023

U.S Senator Marco Rubio has asked the Biden administration to deny Colombia’s extradition request of former AUC warlord Salvatore Mancuso after named “peace envoy” by President Petro.

Colombia’s Petro offers ex-AUC’s Mancuso role as “peace emissary”

By The City Paper Staff - July 24, 2023

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has offered former AUC commander Salvatore Mancuso, and inmate of the US justice system, a role as “peace emissary” to help secure his “total peace” agenda.

Former warlords ask forgiveness along Colombia’s elusive road to peace

By Richard Emblin - August 5, 2021

FARC’s Rodrigo Londoño and AUC’s Salvatore Mancuso met virtually on Wednesday to discuss their roles and responsibilities to the victims of Colombia’s internal conflict.

Ex-FARC and AUC leaders meet to “respond to victims” of Colombia’s atrocities

By Richard Emblin - March 18, 2021

During a video conference ex-FARC’s Rodrigo Londoño and former AUC warlord Salvatore Mancuso opened a honest discussion to respond to the victims of war atrocities.

Judge postpones hearing over legality of Álvaro Uribe’s house arrest

By Richard Emblin - September 16, 2020

Former President Álvaro Uribe must remain under house arrest until a circuit judge determines next week which legal code should govern the criminal case filed against him.

Colombia’s feared AUC commander “El Águila” asks for forgiveness

By The City Paper Staff - May 21, 2018

One of the most feared paramilitary commanders of the AUC, “El Aguila,” has asked victims for forgiveness. Luis Eduardo Cifuentes terrorized Cundinamarca for more than a decade.