Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, who often clashed with the country’s judiciary while in power, has said that the country’s justice system still has “ideological bias,” despite reforms.
In an interview with Vanguardia news, Uribe spoke out regarding adjustments being made to the Colombian justice system. He stated that “I think that [the justice reform] has solved certain factors, but there are substantial factors that have not been resolved, for example: in some sectors of the justice system there are ideological biases.”
The former head of state went on to explain that although reform can correct certain factors within the system “there is a disturbing factor, which is political interference in justice.”
Directly speaking about the illegal wiretapping scandal, Uribe said that he would once again “put his hands in the fire” for former DAS director Maria del Pilar Hurtado, like he had for fellow ex-DAS director Jose Noguera, in the face of the ongoing investigations.
He confirmed his faith in Hurtado’s character by saying that she had “come from other governments with an excellent resume,” and was well-recommended by her superiors who suggested that she was “very capable and totally honorable,” Uribe recalled.
In conclusion Uribe asserted that he would continue to be involved in Colombian politics as long as “the creator gives me life and health.”
“I did not seek the presidency to seek comfort, I am a popular fighter and grateful to live with my fellow compatriots,” said the former head of state.