A court in Colombia has overturned ex-President Alvaro Uribe’s convictions for fraud and bribery, setting the stage for further appeals in the closely watched case.

On Tuesday, two magistrates on a panel of three voted to toss the verdict against the 73-year-old Uribe, arguing that there were “structural deficiencies” in the previous ruling, including insufficient evidence.

Uribe’s conviction had marked the first time in Colombia’s history that a former president was convicted of a crime and sentenced.

A right-wing politician who governed as president from 2002 to 2010, Uribe was found guilty in July of asking paramilitary members to lie about alleged links to him.

Uribe has long maintained his innocence. But Tuesday’s decision has prompted an outpouring of opposition from those who be

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