More than 1,000 citizens sign a letter of support for former President Uribe just days after the court ruling against him.
Less than two weeks before the court ruling in the case against former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez is announced, a group of more than 1,000 citizens—including union leaders, public figures, businesspeople, professionals from various regions, and ordinary citizens —signed a public letter in a show of support, affection, and recognition for the former president.
The initiative was initially shared by Democratic Center Senator María Fernanda Cabal on the social media platform X, with the message “#ÁlvaroUribeNoEstáSolo. Millions of us are supporting the great Colombian. Let's make this letter a massive one!”, along with an image of the text, which quickly went viral.
Signatures in support of former President Uribe. Photo: X: @MariaFdaCabal
The document, titled "A letter of gratitude, respect, and firm support to the one who gave hope back to Colombia," is addressed directly to Álvaro Uribe Vélez and includes testimonies and sentiments from people who claim to have shared with him paths, affection, conversations, and a deep respect for what, in their words, his leadership has meant to the country.
- “Dear President Uribe, today, we, like many Colombians and foreigners who have had the good fortune to have shared affection, journeys, and conversations with you, but above all, the profound respect and admiration for what you have meant to Colombia, want to express our infinite gratitude and our deepest affection a thousand times over,” the first paragraph reads.
The letter not only evokes Uribe's administration during his two presidential terms (2002–2010), but also his subsequent political activity, highlighting his closeness to the public, his constant defense of democracy, and his constant willingness to listen and tour the country.
The signatories assert that during Álvaro Uribe's administration, Colombia underwent a transformation in key areas such as security, investment, institutional order, and national pride.
- "We want to clearly state that your government restored hope, security, investment, order, and the pride of being Colombian. You not only governed with firmness and vision, but you also taught us that love for our country is demonstrated through actions, sacrifice, and character," they affirm.
They also emphasize that their support is not motivated by partisan or institutional interests, but rather by the gratitude felt by those who believe the country has improved during his administration.
- "We do not do this on behalf of institutions or under any banner other than that of gratitude; we simply feel we represent those who, like us, clearly recognize [...] their tireless work for Colombia," they state in the document.
Letter of support for former President Álvaro Uribe. Photo: X: @MariaFdaCabal
In the middle of a judicial process
The letter's publication comes at a crucial moment for the former president, who is facing legal proceedings for alleged crimes of procedural fraud and witness bribery . The case, which has garnered national attention for several years, involves allegations that Uribe attempted to manipulate the testimony of former paramilitaries and prisoners to improve his image in previous legal proceedings.
Judge Sandra Liliana Heredia is scheduled to issue her ruling on July 28, a decision that could set an important precedent in the country's political and judicial history. Meanwhile, supporters of the former president maintain their public support and express confidence that he will be acquitted.
We are convinced that this unjust trial will end in your favor, because there is divine justice, which does not make mistakes.
Uribe's trial reached its 41st day. These were the witnesses. Photo: Courtesy
Among the more than a thousand signatures accompanying the letter are the names of well-known individuals from different spheres of the country:
- Luz Marina Palacio Botero, prominent in the union and public opinion sectors.
- Mónica Torres de Pombo, from a family with a business and civic tradition.
- Antonio Pretelt Emiliani, former director of Coldeportes and linked to the judicial branch.
- Tatiana Pretelt de la Espriella, former Miss Bolívar (1989), linked to business leadership.
- Margarita Rosa Corrales Bossio, representative of rural women leaders.
- Álvaro Perea Fernández, a physician and independent professional linked to the Ministry of Health, with an impact in Fusagasugá.
These figures, along with anonymous citizens, agree in defending the former president's career and rejecting the attacks he has faced for years.
“Thank you for not giving up.”
The text concludes with a message of encouragement and reaffirmation of support:
“Thank you, President, for your service to Colombia. Thank you for not giving up. Here we are, standing firm with you.”
The letter has been widely circulated on social media, especially among supporters of the Democratic Center, who have launched a campaign to expand their support before July 28, a key date in the country's political and judicial calendar.
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