Colombia's President Petro authorizes Santiago Uribe's transfer to military garrison

President Gustavo Petro approved the relocation of Santiago Uribe Vélez, the brother of former president Álvaro Uribe, from a civilian prison to a military garrison to continue serving his 28‑year sentence for aggravated homicide and concert to commit crimes linked to the paramilitary group Los Doce Apóstoles. The defense had requested the move for security and family‑ties reasons; Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez conveyed the decision to Uribe, who thanked the government on X, stating, “Agradezco al Gobierno Nacional… se autorizó el traslado de mi hermano Santiago a una guarnición militar.” Petro also posted, “Prometí respetar a la oposición y no actuar con venganza,” emphasizing his pledge to treat opponents fairly. The Supreme Court had confirmed the conviction after rejecting a final appeal. The transfer has drawn mixed reactions: some view it as a respectful institutional gesture across partisan lines, while others question the criteria for moving a high‑profile inmate to a military facility.