Uribe is accused of “offering cash or other benefits to selected witnesses of criminal acts so that they would lie to the truth” in a case that links him to paramilitary groups, according to a document presented by prosecutor Gilberto Villarreal, who brought charges of bribery, witness bribery and fraud.

The charges arise from an investigation into Uribe’s alleged ties to right-wing politicians.

“I never sought to look for witnesses. I wanted to defend my reputation,” Uribe said during the virtual hearing.

Uribe, 71, who was president from 2002 to 2010 and still considered one of Colombia’s most influential rightwing politicians, insists he is not guilty and has sought to have the case dropped.

He faces a prison term of up to 12 years in the tampering case.

The matter dates to 2012, when Uribe, then a senator, filed a complaint against leftist senator Ivan Cepeda, whom he accused of hatching a plot to falsely link him to paramilitary groups.

But the Supreme Court decided against investigating Cepeda, instead turning its sights on Uribe.

The investigation against Uribe began in 2018 and has had numerous twists and turns, with several attorneys general seeking to close the case.

It has gained new impetus under attorney-general Luz Camargo, who took over in March and was chosen by Colombia’s first-ever leftist president, Gustavo Petro – historically a foe of Uribe.