BOGOTA, March 14 (UPI) -- A witness has testified former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe conspired to lower the number of child soldiers reported in the AUC paramilitary organization.
Salvatore Mancuso, former AUC leader, told Colombian prosecutors Uribe sought to "take down" the court that was investigating ties between his associates and the paramilitaries, Colombia Reports said.
His statements backed up earlier testimony by a paramilitary commander and allied drug trafficker.
They also contradicted statements made by the former president, who has said he and members of his government are victims of political persecution and criminal conspiracy.
"There exists no conspiracy against Uribe and his associates," Mancuso said.
Uribe, his family and former members of his two administrations are facing increasing legal troubles, Colombia Reports said.
Mancuso is incarcerated in a U.S. prison.
