Colombia’s former president Álvaro Uribe has petitioned the Supreme Court to lift his house arrest while he appeals a 12-year sentence for witness tampering and obstruction of justice.

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe was sentenced Friday to 12 years of house arrest for witness tampering and bribery in a historic case that gripped the South American nation and tarnished the conservative strongman's legacy.

Judge Sandra Heredia wants the sentence to be applied immediately in what has become the most significant court case in recent Colombian history. But his defense said they will appeal