Massive marches in support of former President Álvaro Uribe: this is how the demonstrations unfolded in 28 Colombian cities.

Thousands of people took to the streets in more than 28 cities in Colombia and abroad to march in support of former President Álvaro Uribe after he was sentenced to 12 years of house arrest for witness bribery and procedural fraud.

In Bogotá, supporters of the former president marched despite the rain. The mobilization began at the National Park and ended at Bolívar Square, where senators and representatives of the Democratic Center party were gathered at the entrance to Congress.

One of them was Representative Andrés Forero, who was present throughout the entire mobilization. Speaking to EL TIEMPO, the parliamentarian said the march had several meanings: “The first, naturally, is solidarity with former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez, whom we feel is being subjected to a grave injustice. It is beyond recognition, because while the FARC guerrillas are currently legislating with impunity in the Colombian Congress, President Álvaro Uribe Vélez has been unjustly sentenced to 12 years in prison. Furthermore, today marks two months since the attack on Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, and as the Democratic Center party, and I believe as a country, we are asking the National Government for explanations.”

The demonstration, which lasted nearly three hours in the country's capital, was held with Colombian flags and chants in support of the former president.

For its part , the mobilization in Medellín took place without incident, confirming the strong support for the former president, who was initially sentenced to 12 years in prison.

The meeting point was the area between Avenida Oriental and La Playa, where several supporters of the former president gathered to march toward the center of the Antioquia capital, passing through points such as the La Alpujarra administrative center, San Juan Street, and the Parque de las Luces.

The protesters, wearing white T-shirts and carrying messages of support for the Democratic Center leader, expressed their solidarity with the former president. His son, Jerónimo Uribe, gave a short speech in which he expressed regret for addressing the Colombian people, calling for his father's innocence. Authorities reported no disturbances to public order.

In Cali, the "Gallardía" march was marked by shouts of support for the former president, harangues against the national government, and the collection of signatures to nominate Democratic Center pre-candidates for the presidential elections.

The mobilization began at 9 a.m. at the traditional Parque de las Banderas (south), proceeded along the traditional Quinta Street, and ended at Jairo Varela Square, in front of the Municipal Administrative Center (CAM), where Cali's City Hall is located.

The day's dark spot was marked by the attacks between supporters of the former president and a small group of people who initially supported his conviction. There were clashes, blows, and exchanges of fists, which were later resolved by humanitarian organizations and uniformed police officers.

In Bucaramanga, the protests began around 9 a.m. at Puerta del Sol and 27th Street, where several families gathered to demand a lesser sentence for the former head of state. In addition, in solidarity with presidential candidate Miguel Uribe, the people of Bucaramanga also prayed for his health.

The march proceeded normally. The route continued along 27th Street to Luis Carlos Galán Sarmiento Plaza in downtown Bucaramanga, where the march concluded with cultural events.

The Plaza de los Coches in Cartagena's historic center was the scene of the massive demonstration, which brought together supporters dressed in white, waving flags and carrying banners with messages such as "Uribe innocent" and "Justice yes, persecution no."

The day passed peacefully and without any disruptions to public order. According to preliminary estimates by the authorities, nearly 2,000 people participated in the event, which included speeches by local political leaders and citizens who expressed their support for the former president.

In a video on social media, former President Uribe addressed the outpouring of support. Before launching into the main focus of his speech on issues on the national agenda, the former president and political leader of the Democratic Center emphasized that his heart is small. "I need a bigger one to be able to express to all of you the infinite gratitude of my people and myself for your generous displays of support and solidarity," he said.

POLITICAL AND NATION WRITING